This panel navigated options, engineering approaches and technical, regulatory and nonproliferation/security issues associated with methods dealing with UNF/SNF and HLW. Uncertainty about the future of geologic disposal in the US, the role of fuel recycling in reducing the volume and increasing durability of the waste form, and the expected worldwide increase in new nuclear power plants have sharpened the need to consider interim and retrievable storage and disposal options for UNF/SNF and US DOE’s immobilized HLW. The panel brought US and international perspectives on how we can use lessons learned to help deal with interim storage and permanent disposal of UNF/SNF and HLW.

Panelists included: William Boyle, Director, Office of Used Fuel Disposition R&D, US DOE; James Rubenstone, Chief, Science and Technology Branch, Division of Spent Fuel Alternative Strategies, US NRC; Graham Fairhall, Chief, Science and Technology Officer, National Nuclear Laboratory (United Kingdom); Gary Lanthrum, Vice President of Consulting, NAC International; James Voss, Partner, Predicus; and Robert Edmonds presented on behalf of Dorothy Davidson, Senior Vice President, Nuclear and Science Programs, AREVA Federal Services, LLC.