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Spent Nuclear Fuel Package Performance Demonstration (PPD)
About Us
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is making preliminary plans to conduct physical demonstrations on a full-sized spent nuclear fuel (SNF) transportation rail 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.
The PPD is intended to:
- Build public trust and confidence in the safety of SNF transportation, particularly by rail.
- Provide the foundation for a broader public information sharing campaign and discussion about the future of SNF and SNF transportation safety.
- Strengthen relationships between DOE and States, Tribes, other Federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, industry, and other stakeholders, creating “shareable confidence” among involved parties.
- Allow DOE to gather technical data and further improve computer models.
Timeline
Phase 1: Preliminary Outreach
- Advises overall project development and development of a Request for Information (RFI)
- Focus on existing nuclear transportation community (State, Tribal, Federal, Industry)
- Spring 2024 through Summer 2024
Phase 2: Request for Information (RFI) and Comment Period
- RFI published, gather responses, review feedback
- Increase breadth of outreach
- Approximately Summer 2024 through Spring 2025
Phase 3: Request for Proposals (RFP) through PPD Implementation
- Broadest outreach – building context for a PPD and SNF transportation safety
- Informs PPD protocols and post-PPD communications
- Approximately Spring 2025 through 2028
Download Our Flyers
picture_as_pdf Information for Stakeholders
picture_as_pdf Information for Tribes