Identification, Description, and Characterization of Existing and Alternative Nuclear Energy Systems

Fundamentally, a nuclear energy system uses nuclear fission to create heat, which is then available for generating electricity or other applications, including seawater desalination, heating, and production of other fuels. The nuclear energy system as currently deployed in the United States, Figure 1, consists of a number of integrated components, beginning with the natural resources required for nuclear fuel, followed by fissioning of the fuel in reactors connected to electricity generation facilities, and ending with the disposition of all wastes, including used nuclear fuel (UNF). Natural uranium enriched in the fissile isotope 235U fuels the light-water reactors (LWRs). Once the fuel has been fissioned to its design limit, the discharged fuel is stored awaiting final disposition. Power production with a nuclear reactor has virtually no routine emissions to the atmosphere, making it a desirable method of producing electricity. However, other components of the nuclear energy system may have environmental impacts, especially those related to obtaining uranium from the environment, preparing it for use as fuel, and radioactive waste disposal in the environment. Additional concerns with this fuel cycle include proliferation risk and security, safety, resource availability, and cost. In considering the potential future use of nuclear power, it is important to evaluate every component of the fuel cycle, and to consider all of these concerns and any associated impacts.