Universal Journal of Management Vol. 5(2), pp. 53 - 57
DOI: 10.13189/ujm.2017.050201
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The Management of Used (Spent) Fuel and High Level Waste in South Africa

V. Maree ^1,*, A. Carolissen ^2
1 National Nuclear Regulator (NNR), South Africa
² National Radioactive Waste Disposal Institute (NRWDI), South Africa

ABSTRACT

As a country with a nuclear power program and radioisotope production facility, the Republic of South Africa (RSA) generates Used Nuclear Fuel (UNF) and radioactive waste through numerous activities. The cornerstone of South Africa's approach to addressing radioactive waste management is the Radioactive Waste Management Policy and Strategy for the Republic of South Africa. The Policy and Strategy serves as a national commitment to address radioactive waste management in a coordinated and cooperative manner and represents a comprehensive radioactive waste governance framework by formulating, in addition to nuclear and other applicable legislation, a policy and implementation strategy developed in consultation with all stakeholders. In accordance with the Policy and Strategy, final disposal is regarded as the ultimate step in the radioactive waste management process, although a stepwise waste management process is acceptable. Long-term storage of specific types of waste, such as High-Level Waste (HLW), long-lived waste and high activity disused radioactive sources, may be regarded as one of the steps in the management process. This paper presents the South African National Radioactive Waste Management Model with a description of: The radioactive waste management governance framework; the current HLW and UNF management, the management option and UNF strategies. Also the paper addresses consideration of the lessons learnt from the Fukushima accident and its impact on future radioactive waste management strategies and options, plans related to possible long term operation of the existing nuclear power plants, introduction of new nuclear power plants and public acceptance and challenges from anti-nuclear groups.

KEYWORDS
Used Nuclear Fuel, High Level Waste, South Africa's Management Strategies, Challenges

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] V. Maree , A. Carolissen , "The Management of Used (Spent) Fuel and High Level Waste in South Africa," Universal Journal of Management, Vol. 5, No. 2, pp. 53 - 57, 2017. DOI: 10.13189/ujm.2017.050201.

(b). APA Format:
V. Maree , A. Carolissen (2017). The Management of Used (Spent) Fuel and High Level Waste in South Africa. Universal Journal of Management, 5(2), 53 - 57. DOI: 10.13189/ujm.2017.050201.