US: Call for recycling nuclear fuel

Used nuclear fuel rods still account for 95% of the energy value, recycling not only helps to exploit energy value significantly but also reduces the volume and radioactive toxicity of grain waste. multiply.

So, the once-used nuclear fuel cycle in the US is a huge energy waste.

Used nuclear fuel rods are kept in a cool pool at the factory
nuclear in Yongbyon, Korea in 2003 (Photo: msnbc)

Speaking at the annual meeting of the Association for the Advancement of Science, former Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission affirmed that ignoring nuclear fuel recycling is ignoring the opportunity to enhance energy security and influence with other countries.

Dr. Dale Klein - Vice Director of Austin Energy Institute said that while the US has not been involved in recycling nuclear fuel, other countries such as France, Japan, Britain, Russia, India and China have set aside Significant resources for your program.

Accordingly, the biggest reason against the recycling of nuclear fuel in the US is the fear of developing the most nuclear weapon. However, Klein said, this concern completely lacks the basis. "It is true that plutonium in fission reprocessing nuclear fuel but no country has produced secondary plutonium nuclear weapons taken from burned nuclear fuel, " Klein said.

Also, according to Klein, many people are " paranoid " that it is difficult to safely store used nuclear fuel. In the US, nuclear power plant operators continue to store used nuclear fuel rods at a location in lakes before transferring them to dry storage. Although there are still some controversies, the current archiving work is accepted by the majority as security and assurance.

Establishing a nuclear recycling program will require public and private cooperation in addition to the coordination of Congress and a charter for decades-long fuel management, Klein said.