Disposal

Background

A possible end option for spent fuel is disposal in a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF). We are interested in how we would treat (encapsulation) and package spent fuel to enable its disposal in the GDF.

Next steps

Get in touch with research@nda.gov.uk

Related UKRI funded projects


  • Behaviour of UK Specific Spent Fuels Under Conditions Relevant to Geological Disposal.

    The UK has traditionally reprocessed its nuclear fuel rods to extract and re-use the ~95% uranium and ~ 1% plutonium that remains once they are removed from the reactor. It is becoming clear after reviews by government b...

    Funded by: EPSRC

    Lead research organisation: University of Cambridge

    Why might this be relevant?

    This project specifically focuses on the behavior of UK specific spent fuels under conditions relevant to geological disposal, addressing the encapsulation and packaging of spent fuel for disposal in a Geological Disposal Facility.

  • Critical Analysis of Spent Fuel Structure in Radionuclide Release

    As a result of 60 years of using nuclear energy in civil and defence operations, the UK has generated a large legacy of nuclear waste, with a total volume capable of filling Wembley Stadium (450,000m3). The hazards posed...

    Funded by: EPSRC

    Lead research organisation: University of Sheffield

    Why might this be relevant?

    This project critically analyzes the structure of spent fuel in radionuclide release, specifically focusing on the release of radionuclides from UK spent fuel upon contact with groundwater, which is directly relevant to the question.

  • Simulated Used Nuclear Fuel Dissolution as a Function of Fuel Chemistry and Near Field Conditions

    This research is a joint UK and US effort to understand the long-term safety of used nuclear fuel (UNF), the primary waste arising from the generation of electricity by nuclear fission. With more than 440 commercial nucl...

    Funded by: EPSRC

    Lead research organisation: University of Sheffield

    Why might this be relevant?

    The project specifically focuses on understanding the long-term safety of used nuclear fuel and its disposal in a Geological Disposal Facility, addressing the question of disposal fully.

  • Performance Assessment and Development of Mineral-Based Cements at High Pressure and Temperature for Deep Borehole Disposal of HLW and SNF

    The need to secure a low-carbon energy source to meet the ever-increasing demand for electricity makes the increasing use of nuclear power a virtual certainty. Nuclear power, like all other forms of energy, generates was...

    Funded by: EPSRC

    Lead research organisation: University of Sheffield