Exotic Fuel
Last Updated: 05 November 2008
Research
Completed
Credible Options
4th Quarter 2009
Assess and Select Options
1st Quarter 2011
Approve Strategy
3rd Quarter 2015
Implement Strategy
To be confirmed
* Please note: programme dates are under development, indicative and subject to change.
The NDA holds an inventory of non-standard fuels, commonly referred to as ‘exotics’, which are a legacy from earlier nuclear industry activities such as the development of prototype, experimental or research reactors. The exotic fuels are diverse in nature and include metallic, oxide and carbide materials. The composition and enrichment is variable, ranging from depleted to highly enriched uranium with a substantial number containing plutonium. Some of the material has been irradiated.
Exotic fuels usually fall outside the standard arrangements for transport, storage, reprocessing and waste disposal which are 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 it is likely that individually tailored solutions will be required for their treatment and ultimate disposition.