The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority

Last Updated: 21 February 2010

In addition to bulk Magnox and Oxide fuels, the NDA holds an inventory of non-standard fuels, commonly referred to as 'exotics'.  Exotic fuels are diverse in nature and include metallic, oxide and carbide materials which are a legacy from earlier nuclear industry activities such as the development of research, experimental or prototype reactors.  Although they often share the physical characteristics and properties of Magnox and Oxide fuel, their composition and enrichment is variable, with a substantial number containing plutonium. Much of the material has been irradiated.

Downloadable version of this page:    Exotic Fuel Strategy Summary (34Kb)

Objective

To ensure the continued safe management optimised lifecycle approach and ultimate disposition of Exotic fuel.

Scope and Boundaries

Exotic fuels are located on various sites across the NDA estate and usually fall outside the standard arrangements for transport, storage, reprocessing and waste disposal associated with bulk Magnox and Oxide fuels. In most cases they are unlikely to meet the usual specification for reprocessing or direct disposal and therefore present some unique challenges when potential treatment options are considered.  

The diverse nature of exotic fuels means that it is likely that individual tailored solutions will be required for their treatment and ultimate disposition, although some may be considered for treatment of other nuclear material or spent fuel Topic Strategies.

Interfaces

The Exotic fuel strategy interfaces with a number of other Topic Strategies including:

• Oxide fuel strategy is related because of the potential treatment options
• Magnox fuel strategy is related because of the potential treatment options
• Plutonium strategy is related because some of Exotic fuels contain plutonium  
• Higher Activity Waste strategy is related because treatment or reprocessing of Exotic fuels may increase stocks
• Transport and logistics strategy is related because of the potential need to move Exotic fuels. 

Credible Options

Due to the diverse nature of the materials concerned a variety of treatment options are likely to be deployed. The treatment options for a specific exotic fuel will be evaluated through a lifecycle impact analysis that considers such factors as hazard, risk reduction, commercial opportunity and liability, security and safeguards, resource utilisation and technology maturity.

Treatment options will be underpinned through ongoing R&D activities and could include:

• Immobilisation – encapsulation or dispersion of fuel in a matrix such as cement, ceramic, glass or polymer
• Stabilisation – treatment and packaging of the fuel to underpin long term storage prior to disposal in a Geological Disposal Facility
• Reprocessing either in the UK or overseas as appropriate

Current Position

The current strategy for Exotic fuel is to store the fuel until suitable treatment options for disposition have been developed although treatment options for some Exotic fuels are being implemented.  For other Exotic fuels further research and development activities are required prior to establishing the best disposition option.

The NDA is continuing to examine the strategic options associated with the disposition of exotic fuels.  A range of studies and research activities is being undertaken to explore storage, transport and treatment routes to establish an optimised lifecycle approach.  The NDA is supporting the SLCs in developing and underpinning technical options for the disposition of Exotic fuels.

The current strategy is at Stage D in the SMS.

Development of an alternative strategy is at Stage 0 in the SMS.

Position at Strategy II (June 2010)

For Strategy II the aim is to publish credible options for all exotic fuel types to support the development of a deliverable Exotics fuel strategy in the long term.