Category Archives: Carolyn Campbell
Laser Transmutation of Nuclear Waste
Nuclear Waste Disposal
Additional technological solutions for decreasing waste are described in the paper. Closed-cycle fast reactor technology, such as an Advanced Liquid Metal Reactor (ALMR), has been studied for many years. ALMR uses energetic neutrons to interact with uranium-238 to eventually produce plutonium-239. Through pyrometallurgical processing, a mix of transnuranic elements from the used fuel can be extracted and the uranium can be reused. This process has advantages over PUREX reprocessing, in a counter-proliferation sense, because it does not produce pure plutonium. An alternative to reprocessing or refining is to produce nuclear waste that is self-contained, depleted to the point where it is not a proliferation problem, and can be stored in underground sites without concerns of water leaching or seismic damage. TRISO (tri-structureal isometric) fuel reactors use fuel pebbles that, after spent, are safe to store without cooling, are resistant to water leaching, and contain highly depleted nuclear materials. By employing such overlooked strategies for waste reduction and reopening the search for a permanent storage site the U.S. will be able to develop a more viable nuclear waste disposal program.
Hydrogen Production using Nuclear Energy
Nuclear Energy Consumption and Eco-nomic Growth
French Politics, Culture, and Nuclear Power
Sustainability of Nuclear Fission Energy
In conclusion, Peira proposes four main sustainability technical criteria for nuclear energy. First, nuclear reactors and nuclear fuel facilities must have enhanced safety features. Second, natural nuclear materials must be more highly exploited. Third, radioactive inventory of waste must be minimized before disposal. And finally, proliferation-resistant technologies must be developed. By achieving these criteria, nuclear fission energy will become a more sustainable and viable option for the future.