The discussion centers on the viability of Yucca Mountain as a permanent nuclear waste repository, following a federal appeals court ruling that the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission must make a decision on the project. Participants agree that while the technical feasibility exists, political challenges hinder progress. The conversation highlights the need for a clear policy on nuclear waste management, either through a once-through fuel cycle or reprocessing of spent fuel. The economic implications of reprocessing versus direct disposal are also debated, with current market conditions favoring the latter.
PREREQUISITESNuclear engineers, policymakers, environmental scientists, and anyone involved in nuclear waste management and energy policy will benefit from this discussion.
nikkkom said:Won't Hanford reprocessing plant be able to process civilian spent fuel after it's done with military waste?
Argentum Vulpes said:My understanding of the Hanford complex is that the reprocessors were shut down in the 70's and were never reopened. And they are now on the long list of D&D (decimation & destruction) at the sight.
nikkkom said:I'm talking about this:
http://www.hanford.gov/page.cfm/wtp
When finished, it's supposed to be able to vitrify the nasty stuff.
I suppose the end result (steel containers with glass) will be stored in Hanford too.
Add a front-end PUREX stage to it and it's a complete reprocessing solution.