Closing the Cycle: How South Australia and Asia Can Benefit from Re‐inventing Used Nuclear Fuel Management

Abstract

A large and growing market exists for the management of used nuclear fuel. Urgent need for service lies in Asia, also the region of the fastest growth in fossil fuel consumption. A logical potential provider of this service is acknowledged to be Australia. We describe and assess a service combining approved multinational storage with an advanced fuel reconditioning facility and commercialisation of advanced nuclear reactor technologies. We estimate that this project has the potential to deliver a net present value of (2015) AU$30.9 billion. This economic finding compares favourably with recent assessment based on deep geological repository. Providing service for used nuclear fuel and commercialisation of next generation nuclear technology would catalyse the expansion of nuclear technology for energy requirements across Asia and beyond, aiding efforts to combat climate change. Pathways based on leveraging advanced nuclear technologies are therefore worthy of consideration in the development of policy in this area.Key words: used nuclear fuel, integral fast reactor, PRISM, pyroprocessing, technology, climate change This article investigates a novel approach to the integrated management of used nuclear fuel and development of advanced nuclear recycling facilities. Economic analysis demonstrates potential net benefits of tens of billions of dollars for this integrated approach, hypothetically based in South Australia to serve primarily the Asian market. Energy policy implications include potential unshackling of nuclear development in Asia, assisted by the provision of a used fuel service via Australia.

Response to ‘Burden of proof: A comprehensive review of the feasibility of 100% renewable-electricity systems’

“…We therefore conclude that their feasibility criteria are not useful and do not affect the conclusions of the reviewed studies. Furthermore, we introduce additional, more relevant feasibility criteria, which renewable energy scenarios fulfil, but according to which nuclear power, which the authors have evaluated positively elsewhere [74][75][76], fails to demonstrate adequate feasibility.…”