Non-proliferation criteria for nuclear fuel cycle options

Abstract We compared the implied meaning of proliferation resistance in proposals regarding the nuclear fuel cycle. We find discrepancies amongst the proposals regarding the technical definition of proliferation resistance, however there is a consistent focus on the importance of “physical form” as a key in determining a proliferation resistant fuel cycle. The reviewed proposals make little explicit mention the importance of the time to process the material to construct a nuclear weapon. While certain proposals discuss the importance of non-separation of plutonium from actinides, there are other proposals, which clearly do not view this aspect as vital in defining proliferation resistance. Recognizing that there are numerous political and infrastructure measures that may also be taken to guard against proliferation risks, we have focused here on the definition of proliferation resistance in terms of technical characteristics.