Reuse of Plutonium in reactors

Related UKRI funded projects

• REFINE: A coordinated materials programme for the sustainable REduction of spent Fuel vital In a closed loop Nuclear Energy cycle

  Nuclear fission is currently internationally recognised as a key low carbon energy source, vital in the fight against global warming, which has stimulated much interest and recent investment. For example, RCUK's energy p...

  Funded by: EPSRC

  Why might this be relevant?

  Partially relevant as it focuses on fuel reprocessing but not specifically on reuse of plutonium in reactors.

• Fuel Recycle and Experimentally Demonstrated Manufacturing of Advanced Nuclear Solutions for Safety (FREDMANS)

  nFREDMANS aims to increase safety and efficiency in both nuclear power production as well as the recycling of spent fuel. Changing from oxide fuel to a more fissile dense material with higher thermal conductivity can enh...

  Funded by: Horizon Europe Guarantee

  Why might this be relevant?

  The project focuses on fuel recycling and manufacturing of advanced nuclear solutions, including the reuse of plutonium in reactors.

• Fundamentals of the Behaviour of Fission Products in Oxide Nuclear Fuels

  With the UK committed to reducing its reliance on fossil fuels by 2050, there must be a commensurate increase from other energy sources to maintain and provide for increased energy requirements, at the same time increasi...

  Funded by: EPSRC

  Why might this be relevant?

  Partially relevant as it examines the behavior of fission products in oxide nuclear fuels, but does not specifically address the reuse of plutonium in reactors.

• Fundamental Properties of Thoria Based Mixed Oxides

  There is considerable concern that uranium reserves are not sufficient to facilitate large scale international nuclear new build. Thorium is around four times more abundant than uranium, and could offer a potential alter...

  Funded by: EPSRC

• Radiochemical Facilities for the Molten Salts in Nuclear Technologies Network

  The Molten Salt in Nuclear Technology Laboratory (MSNTL) aims to provide a network of research equipment and expertise to support the recently expanding interests in molten salt technologies for use in next generation nu...

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• Compositional and Structural Evolution of Plutonium Dioxide: Underpinning Future Decisions

  Plutonium dioxide is a very dynamic material. Radioactive decay damages the lattice and also forms other elements in the material. Helium, an inert gas, may be localised or trapped in the lattice, or maybe released. Uran...

  Funded by: EPSRC

  Why might this be relevant?

  The project focuses on understanding the evolution of plutonium dioxide, which is crucial for predicting its suitability for reuse in reactors.

• Sustainability and Proliferation Resistance Assessment of Open Cycle Thorium-Fuelled Nuclear Energy

  Uranium has been the fuel for the world's commercial nuclear power stations. Its reserves are, however, finite and the demands of planned Generation III 'New Build' reactors could consume much of the available supply. Op...

  Funded by: EPSRC

• Sim-Fuel and Alpha-Active Material Manufacturing and Characterisation Capability

  The aim of this proposal is to provide key equipment that will deliver an internationally-unique open-access academic capability to manufacture, irradiate, and examine the pre- and post-irradiation characteristics of a r...

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• New Fuel Assemblies for Advanced Nuclear Technologies

  Meeting the growing energy demand from an increasing population, whilst addressing the depletion of fossil fuels and reducing greenhouse gases is the one of the grandest scale challenges of the 21st century. Currently, a...

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• Experimental Actinide Nano-chemistry for the Future of the Civil UK Plutonium Inventory

  In the UK, electricity generation using Nuclear Power is key to energy security and to achieving Net Zero. After six decades of commercial nuclear fuel reprocessing by Sellafield Ltd (SL), the UK has the largest inventor...

  Funded by: UKRI FLF

  Why might this be relevant?

  The project focuses on experimental actinide nano-chemistry for the UK plutonium inventory, which is relevant to understanding plutonium reuse constraints.