Universal Journal of Physics and Application Vol. 10(5), pp. 170 - 175
DOI: 10.13189/ujpa.2016.100504
Reprint (PDF) (231Kb)

International Approaches to Spent Fuel Management: Challenges and Opportunities

Andrew Newman ^1,*, Thomas Isaacs ¹, Alina Constantin ^2
1 Nuclear Threat Initiative, 1747 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20006, USA
² Institute for Nuclear Research, Campului Str., Nr. 1, POB 78, 115400, Mioveni, Romania

ABSTRACT

Despite well-developed repository programs in several countries, the vast majority of states continue to struggle developing and implementing plans to dispose of spent fuel and high level waste produced by nuclear power programs. The lack of spent fuel management options strains the credibility of the nuclear community and undercuts public and political acceptance for current and future nuclear activities. It is unethical, irresponsible and ultimately unsustainable to push the problem onto future generations. It is also a proliferation and security issue. Cooperative networks and regional frameworks for spent fuel storage and disposal could be a productive way to address these problems, particularly in Asia where the need is urgent and growing, and elsewhere. Such partnerships can enhance regional transparency and flexibility as well as improving global security and fortifying nonproliferation. However, the possibility of multinational options should not be used as an excuse for countries to neglect domestic responsibilities; all countries must have a national spent fuel management program. Conversely, national programs should not oppose concerted exploration of multinational approaches.

KEYWORDS
Spent Fuel Disposal Challenges, Cooperative Approaches in Spent Fuel Disposal, Multinational Radioactive Waste Repository, Nonproliferation

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Andrew Newman , Thomas Isaacs , Alina Constantin , "International Approaches to Spent Fuel Management: Challenges and Opportunities," Universal Journal of Physics and Application, Vol. 10, No. 5, pp. 170 - 175, 2016. DOI: 10.13189/ujpa.2016.100504.

(b). APA Format:
Andrew Newman , Thomas Isaacs , Alina Constantin (2016). International Approaches to Spent Fuel Management: Challenges and Opportunities. Universal Journal of Physics and Application, 10(5), 170 - 175. DOI: 10.13189/ujpa.2016.100504.