Plutonium and Minor Actinides Management in Thermal High- Temperature Reactors - The EU FP6 Project PUMA

The PUMA project, a Specific Targeted Research Project (STREP) of the European Union EURATOM 6th Framework Program, is mainly aimed at providing additional key elements for the utilisation and transmutation of plutonium and minor actinides in contemporary and future (high temperature) gas-cooled reactor design, which are promising tools for improving the sustainability of the nuclear fuel cycle, hereby also contributing to the reduction of Pu and MA stockpiles, and to the development of safe and sustainable reactors for CO2-free energy generation. The project runs from September 1, 2006 until August 31, 2009. PUMA also contributes to technological goals of the Generation IV International Forum. It contributes to developing and maintaining the competence in reactor technology in the EU, and addresses European stakeholders on key issues for the future of nuclear energy in the EU. The paper presents an overview of planned activities and preliminary/expected results of the PUMA project.