Investing in a permanent and sustainable nuclear waste disposal solution

The Nuclear Waste Policy Act was enacted in 1982, tasking the federal government with providing a permanent, sustainable disposal solution for highly radioactive waste from the existing fleet of light-water reactors (LWR). However, after 30 years and shifts in direction, the U.S. remains uncommitted to a plan for tackling the accumulating waste. Investment in research and development at national laboratories and universities largely focuses on advanced and small modular reactor designs and enabling technologies. While these designs would improve nuclear fuel efficiency and reduce waste, the existing problem of LWR waste looms. This problem will become further exacerbated as LWRs near the end of their licensed lives and begin to shut down, requiring disposal of spent fuel and structural materials. Here we show a critical need for strategic direction, planning, and investment into developing a sustainable, permanent solution for disposal of radioactive waste produced by the existing nuclear reactor fleet.