Categorization of Used Nuclear Fuel Inventory in Support of a Comprehensive National Nuclear Fuel Cycle Strategy - 13575

A technical assessment of the current inventory [~7 0,150 metric tons of heavy metal (MTHM) as of 2011] of U.S.-discharged used nuclear fuel (UNF) has been performed to support decisions regarding fue l cycle strategies and research, development and demonstration (RDD 2. Research ‐ material needed for RDD and 3. Recycle/Recovery ‐ material with inherent and/or st rategic value. A set of key assumptions and attributes relative to the various disposition options were used to categ orize the current UNF inventory. Based on consideration of RD&D needs, time frames and material needs for deployment of alternative fuel cycles, characterist ics of the current UNF inventory, and possible uses to support national security interests, it was determi ned that the vast majority of the current UNF inven tory should be placed in the Disposal category, without the need to make fuel retrievable from disposal for reuse or research purposes. Access to the material in the Research and Recycle/Recovery categories should be retained to support RD&D needs and national security interests. This assessment does not assume any decision about future fuel cycle options or preclude any potential options, including those with potential recycling of commercial UNF.