Spent Nuclear Fuel Package Performance Project (PPP)

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is making plans to conduct a Package Performance Project (PPP)*, involving physical demonstrations on a rail-sized spent nuclear fuel (SNF) transportation cask, inspired by a history of similar testing endeavors worldwide and recommended by the National Academy of Sciences and the Blue Ribbon Commission on America’s Nuclear Future. DOE is considering demonstrations based on regulatory tests and demonstrations based on realistic transportation incident scenarios.

Through external engagement, a Request for Information, and an additional opportunity to provide written feedback, DOE sought input over a 16 month period from interested parties on the types of demonstrations DOE should consider and how information from a PPP should be used. DOE also sought information from potential suppliers on the equipment and/or services that could be provided for a PPP. About 400 individuals participated in DOE’s 4 public webinars, and more than 60 written responses were received. This input is facilitating DOE’s decision-making process in designing a PPP that can maximize available resources to meet DOE’s goal of building public confidence in SNF transportation safety. In addition, feedback from potential vendors and service providers is helping to inform DOE’s plans for a PPP, including developing future requests for proposals for the equipment and services needed to conduct a PPP.