This publication aims to outline credible technical options for managing separated plutonium. There is no attempt to rank or rate any of the options, instead the intent is to inform the reader of the technical merits of the various options and the state of their development. It is primarily focused on Member States that have adopted a closed fuel cycle policy but can also be of value to other Member States, specifically their decision makers and other stakeholders involved in potential future nuclear fuel cycles, by informing them on life cycle options and energy policy.

• 1. Introduction
  • 1.1. Background
  • 1.2. Objective
  • 1.3. Scope
  • 1.4. Structure
• 2. Strategies for Managing Separated Plutonium
  • 2.1. Terminology
  • 2.2. Options analysis
    • 2.2.1. Assumptions
    • 2.2.2. Factors for consideration
  • 2.3. Safeguards considerations
    • 2.3.1. Safeguards by design
• 3. Plutonium Recycling Options
  • 3.1. MOX options
    • 3.1.1. MOX in LWRs
    • 3.1.2. MOX in FRs
    • 3.1.3. MOX in HWRs
  • 3.2. Advanced fuel options
    • 3.2.1. Advanced fuels in fast reactors
    • 3.2.2. Other Generation IV reactors
    • 3.2.3. High temperature gas reactors
  • 3.3. ThMOX options
    • 3.3.1. ThMOX in LWRs
    • 3.3.2. ThMOX in FRs
    • 3.3.3. ThMOX in HWRs
• 4. Plutonium Conditioning Options
  • 4.1. Conditioning options
    • 4.1.1. Sintered MOX pellets
    • 4.1.2. Vitrification
    • 4.1.3. Ceramic
    • 4.1.4. Mixing
• 5. Waste Disposal Options
  • 5.1. Disposal options
    • 5.1.1. Deep geological disposal
    • 5.1.2. Borehole disposal
• 6. Summary
• REFERENCES
• Annex I RELATED IAEA PUBLICATIONS
• Annex II SUPPORTING INFORMATION
• Annex III TECHNICAL INFORMATION — RECYCLING OPTIONS
• Annex IV TECHNICAL INFORMATION — CONDITIONING OPTIONS
• LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
• CONTRIBUTORS TO DRAFTING AND REVIEW
• STRUCTURE OF THE IAEA NUCLEAR ENERGY SERIES