TRS435_web

FOREWORD
Almost all States with a nuclear power capability consider geological
disposal as the end point for spent fuel declared as waste and also for the long
lived radionuclides and high level waste resulting from the reprocessing of
spent fuel. However, several States are considering or investigating partitioning
and transmutation (P&T) as a potential complementary route in the
management of the radioactive material resulting from nuclear power
generation.
P&T has the potential to open new avenues for long term waste
management and to reduce the radiological hazard (in terms of magnitude and
duration), to weaken the decay heat evolution history (e.g. by eliminating long
lived heat producing actinides) and to reduce the quantities of the fissile and/or
fertile radionuclides that pose proliferation concerns.
Whereas only the major nuclear power States are potentially capable of
developing a self-supported P&T activity, States with more modest
programmes are studying the impact of P&T on their own waste management
programmes and strategies.
Recognizing this, and taking into account the increased interest in
advanced and innovative nuclear fuel cycles and reactor systems, the IAEA
initiated in 2001 a programme dedicated to preparing a report analysing the
current status of P&T. Potential options for implementing P&T and its
potential impact on waste management programmes and strategies were
evaluated from an international perspective.
The first draft report was prepared at a meeting from 15 to 19 October
2001 by four consultants: L.H. Baetslé (Belgium), M. Embid-Segura (Spain),
J. Magill (Germany) and N. Rabotnov (Russian Federation). A status report on
the subject was prepared by L.H. Baetslé. During a Technical Committee
Meeting (TCM) held in September 2002, a draft document was discussed,
revised and substantially extended by ten participants and representatives of
the IAEA Departments of Safeguards and Nuclear Safety. After this meeting,
the report was finalized at a meeting from 7 to 11 April 2003 by the same group
of consultants, also including L. Stewart from the USA.
The IAEA wishes to express its appreciation to all those who took part in
the preparation of this report. Particular acknowledgement is due to L.H.
Baetslé, who chaired the TCM and put great effort into the completion and
technical polishing of the report.
The IAEA officer responsible for this report was R. Burcl of the Division
of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology.