Nuclear Research and Training

ExpectedOutcome : Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following outcomes: Development of strategies for multi-recycling of LWR spent nuclear fuel, closing the MOX fuel cycle, and reducing radiotoxicity of the radioactive waste originating from the LWR nuclear fuel. Investigation of recyclability of other elements than uranium and plutonium, as well as innovative fuel types. Scope : Today, Mixed Oxide (MOX) fuel, manufactured from plutonium and depleted uranium, provides about 5% of the new nuclear fuel used in world, with an even higher proportion in Europe. Spent MOX fuel is several times more radioactive than spent uranium oxide fuel. An alternative approach for multi-recycling of LWR nuclear fuel and closing the MOX fuel cycle would decrease radiotoxicity and the volume of the radioactive waste resulting from spent MOX fuel and improve security of supply. Management and recycling of spent MOX LWR fuel should be addressed in a coherent analysis of the fuel cycle covering all the LWR and the new spent fuel streams, and in particular by addressing the different potential alternative technologies for the recycling of those fuels, including advanced reactor systems. Proposed research should advance state-of-the art design and manufacturing of fuel cycles based on spent MOX fuel valorisation, focusing on the development of a strategy for treatment of minor actinides and other non-fissile elements obtained in the fuel re-processing. In the spirit of a circular economy, a strategy of extracting elements with limited supply (e.g. metals of the Platinum Metal Group) has to be investigated in the proposal. The efficiency and selectivity of the processes, and the purity of the recovered elements, will be the crucial criteria for the selection and test of new processes. The Commission also invites consortia to propose innovative solutions and research approaches other than those listed above in order to deliver the expected outcomes. Due to the scope of this topic, international cooperation is encouraged. Where appropriate, the Commission recommends that consortia make use of the services of the JRC. The JRC may participate in the preparation and submission of the proposal. The JRC would bear the operational costs for its own staff and research infrastructure operational costs. The JRC facilities and expertise are listed in General Annex H of this Work Programme.