This panel focused on the disposal versus recycling options for SNF/UNF. With the international expansion of nuclear power and the US decision on Yucca Mountain, addressing the SNF/UNF waste issue moves under the spotlight. Topics for the panel included the pros and cons of each option, international lessons learned, drivers such as technological advancements or alternative fuel cycles that could impact the option analysis, and current/future economic considerations.
The panelists spoke to the options for dealing with UNF including making the case for long term storage and interim storage and recycling, technology options for recycling, economics for UNF treatment and disposition, and the US DOE perspective.
Panelists included: Mikey Brady-Raap, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory; John Kessler, EPRI; Ken Nash, Washington State University; Christopher Phillips, EnergySolutions; Terry Todd, Idaho National Laboratory; Dorothy Davidson, AREVA (USA); Huw Morgan, National Nuclear Laboratory (United Kingdom); and Andrew Griffith, Office of Fuel Cycle Technology (USA).