Categorization of Used Nuclear Fuel Inventory in Support of a Comprehensive National Nuclear Fuel Cycle Strategy

A technical assessment of the current inventory [~70,150 metric tons of heavy metal (MTHM) as of
2011] of U.S.-discharged used nuclear fuel (UNF) has been performed to support decisions regarding fuel
cycle strategies and research, development and demonstration (RD&D) needs. The assessment considered
discharged UNF from commercial nuclear electricity generation and defense and research programs and
determined that the current UNF inventory can be divided into the following three categories:
1. Disposal – excess material that is not needed for other purposes;
2. Research – material needed for RD&D purposes to support waste management (e.g., UNF
storage, transportation, and disposal) and development of alternative fuel cycles (e.g., separations
and advanced fuels/reactors); and
3. Recycle/Recovery – material with inherent and/or strategic value.
A set of key assumptions and attributes relative to the various disposition options were used to categorize
the current UNF inventory. Based on consideration of RD&D needs, time frames and material needs for
deployment of alternative fuel cycles, characteristics of the current UNF inventory, and possible uses to
support national security interests, it was determined that the vast majority of the current UNF inventory
should be placed in the Disposal category, without the need to make fuel retrievable from disposal for
reuse or research purposes. Access to the material in the Research and Recycle/Recovery categories
should be retained to support RD&D needs and national security interests. This assessment does not
assume any decision about future fuel cycle options or preclude any potential options, including those
with potential recycling of commercial UNF.