Nuclear fuel cycle strategies including Partitioning and Transmutation

The widespread concern about radioactive waste management has promoted interest during the last decade for the potential role of Partitioning and Transmutation strategies, in order to alleviate the burden on future deep geological repositories. The physics of transmutation allows to point-out preferential approaches, e.g., based on the use of a fast neutron spectrum. The practical implementation of Partitioning and Transmutation implies the development of sophisticated technologies and can be more realistic if seen in a regional context. Some examples will be given to illustrate the “regional” approach, and some considerations will be made on the use of Accelerator Driven Systems (ADS), in the frame of a progressive strategy from present nuclear power fleets to future systems, as studied, e.g., in the frame of the GENERATION-IV initiative.