Nuclear Fuel Cycle: Which Strategy to Support a Sustainable Growth for Nuclear Energy?

Recycling the energy from used fuel and efficiently managing the waste are key factors for a sustainable growth of nuclear energy. Advanced nuclear fuel cycles are often presented as a major step forward compared to the current closed fuel cycle, bringing lower volumes and radio toxicity of waste, an enhanced proliferation resistance, uranium savings and economic benefits.The objective of this paper is to demonstrate that the current closed fuel cycle, based upon a proven track record of recycling has already achieved a significant part of the way, and represents a very efficient way to prepare the future implementation of advanced closed fuel cycle:∘Ultimate waste volume is reduced by a factor 5 while its toxicity is divided by a factor 10∘Today's excellent track records demonstrate that existing fuel cycle plants are well mastered, and the key issue rest with the non dissemination of such technologies∘Today's recycling enables 25% in uranium savings, while keeping fissile materials (in used recycled fuels) for future use by Fast Neutron Reactors∘Competitiveness of MOX (Mixed Oxide) and ERU (Enriched Reprocessed Uranium) is demonstratedBy providing a well-mastered solution to evacuate and safely store the used fuel away from reactors before treatment, the closed fuel cycle limits the build-up of large inventories of irradiated fuels at reactor sites. In the context of post- Fukushima safety analyses, it is also a strong argument to promote the public acceptance of nuclear power development.The overall cost of current closed cycle (interim storage + recycling + transports + waste disposal) is about 6% of the kWh cost. It is a competitive solution which reduces financial uncertainties compared to direct disposal.The advantages of the current closed fuel cycle have been demonstrated by the successful policy of recycling implemented in Europe for more than 30 years, with 35 reactors using MOX fuel with an excellent return of experience. As of 01/01/2012, the AREVA industrial recycling platform (La Hague and Melox plants) has treated more than 27,000 tons of used fuel and fabricated more than 1,850 tons of MOX fuel.With the new AREVA EPRTM reactor, recycling will take another step forward, enabling MOX fuel loading of up to 100%, thus offering additional management options of recycled fuel, and giving more flexibility to its customers.