Spent Nuclear Fuel Package Performance Demonstration (PPD)

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is making preliminary plans to conduct 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 both demonstrations based on regulatory tests and demonstrations based on realistic transportation incident scenarios.

DOE is seeking input from all interested parties on the types of demonstrations DOE should consider and how information from a PPD should be used. DOE is also seeking information from potential suppliers on the equipment and/or services that could be provided for a PPD. Responses to the RFI will help inform DOE’s plans for a future request for proposal for the equipment and services needed to conduct the PPD.