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WPFC Expert Group on Fuel Cycle Transition Scenarios Studies (WPFC/FCTS)

Past studies of the implementation of partitioning and transmutation performed within the Nuclear Science Committee of the OECD/NEA have mostly concentrated on equilibrium mode scenarios, where the global infrastructure is fixed and mass flows of materials are constant. These studies have resulted in a deep understanding of the possibilities of P&T to address nuclear waste issues, and have indicated for several key technical approaches the infrastructure requirements, While these studies have proven extremely valuable, several countries have also recognized the complex dynamic nature of the infrastructure problem: severe new issues arise when attempting to transition from current open or partially closed cycles to a final equilibrium or burndown mode. While the issues are country specific when addressed in detail, it is believed that there exists a series of generic issues related only to the current situation and to the desired end point. Some specific examples are listed here:
  • time lag to reach equilibrium, that can take decades to centuries
  • wide range of transmutation performance for the various technologies involved
  • accumulation of stockpiles of materials during either a transition phase or a growth period
  • very significant, and possibly prohibitive, investments required to reach equilibrium
  • complex interactions with final waste disposal paths.

The expert group will work under the guidance of the Working Party on Scientific Issues of the Fuel Cycle (WPFC).

Deliverables

  • Status report on the fuel cycle transition scenarios studies (release by end 2007)
  • Benchmark on scenario codes performances (end 2008)
  • A regional study related to the potential implementation in Europe of advanced fuel cycles (end 2008)
  • Global scenario studies, potentially including "fuel lease/take back" strategies (end 2009)

Meetings

  • 6th meeting (6 October 2008, Mito, Japan)
  • 6th meeting (28-29 April 2008, OECD HQ, Paris, France)
  • 5th meeting (13-14 September 2007, Boise, USA)
  • 4th meeting (4-5 April 2007, NEA HQ, Issy-les-Moulineaux, France)
  • 3rd meeting (8-9 September 2005, OECD HQ, Paris, France)
  • 2nd meeting (1-2 March 2005, NEA HQ, Issy-les-Moulineaux, France)
  • 1st meeting (24 August 2004, OECD HQ, Paris, France)

Related documents are in the working area (requires password).

Related links

WPFC/FCTS mandate

Working Party on Scientific Issues of the Fuel Cycle (WPFC)

Members' working area (requires password)

For more information on this working party, please contact Yong-Joon CHOI (Tel: +33 1 45 24 10 91, yongjoon.choi@oecd.org)

For more information on activities managed/supported by the NSC, please contact Claes Nordborg (Claes.Nordborg@oecd.org) Return to the NSC Home Page

Last updated: 9 September 2008

 

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