The discussion centers on the viability of Yucca Mountain as a permanent nuclear waste storage site, exploring various perspectives on its technical feasibility, political implications, and economic considerations. Participants address the broader context of nuclear waste management, including recycling and the future of fuel sources.
Participants do not reach a consensus on the viability of Yucca Mountain as a permanent waste site, with multiple competing views on its feasibility, political implications, and economic considerations remaining unresolved.
Discussions include uncertainties regarding the economic viability of recycling, the political landscape affecting nuclear waste management, and the potential future need for reprocessing as uranium resources diminish.
This discussion may be of interest to those involved in nuclear engineering, environmental policy, energy economics, and waste management strategies.
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.