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Interim Storage of Spent Nuclear Fuel
How is spent nuclear fuel interim stored?
After it has been “burnt” in a nuclear reactor to generate electricity, spent nuclear fuel is interim stored pending final disposal (or reprocessing).
- Spent fuel rods are categorised as High Level Waste (HLW), because they continue to generate heat.
- Typically, the first stage of interim storage is within a cooling pond on the reactor site.
- If it is not to be reprocessed, spent nuclear fuel is then usually transferred to a dry store for longer-term interim storage, prior to disposal.
- Disposal options include near or sub-surface disposal and deep geological disposal (within a Geological Disposal Facility).
Spent Fuel Pond
Wet Storage of Spent Fuel in a Cooling Pond located at CLAB, Central Interim Storage Facility for Spent Nuclear Fuel, Oskarshamn, Sweden.
What happens in the UK?
What happens in the UK?
Currently, the UK operates an open fuel cycle for its generating nuclear power stations (the AGR and PWR reactors). At the moment, used fuel (known as spent fuel) is being interim stored – either on the same site as the power station or at the Sellafield site in Cumbria. Eventually, England and Wales plan to permanently dispose of all High Level Waste (HLW), including spent fuel, in a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) – once this has been developed by Nuclear Waste Services.
Explore Further
Choose from the articles below to continue learning about nuclear.
Reprocessing – How Spent Nuclear Fuel is Recycled for Reuse
Nuclear fuel reprocessing is a key step in the nuclear energy cycle that allows valuable uranium and plutonium to be recovered from spent fuel for reuse. This process reduces the volume of highly active waste, conserves resources, and contributes to more sustainable and efficient energy production. In this introduction, explore the principles and methods of nuclear fuel reprocessing — and why it may play a vital role in the future of clean energy.
Plutonium – From Atomic Bombs to Space Missions
Plutonium is an incredibly unique and versatile element, with a fascinating yet controversial history and countless uses.
Enrichment – Because Natural Uranium Just Isn’t Enough
Learn why uranium enrichment is necessary in the nuclear fuel cycle, how it works, and where it takes place to power the world’s nuclear reactors.
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