Prospects of creation of the two-component nuclear energy system

Abstract

Possible options of organization of two-component energy system with closed nuclear fuel cycle (CNFC) and new business potential associated with provision of CFC services to foreign customers are examined. Dominating role in the development of nuclear power generation is assigned to VVER reactors with gradually increasing fraction of sodium-cooled fast breeder reactors (FR) incorporated within the joint nuclear fuel cycle operated on MOX-fuel. Components of such energy system perform the following functions: 1. Fast reactors: Generate electric power in base-load mode (possibility of fine tuning of reactor power within limited range (100 – 75 – 100%) is assumed); Utilize waste and/or regenerated uranium for re-fueling power reactors, produce plutonium applicable to the maximum extent for manufacturing MOX-fuel for VVER reactors; Incinerate long-lived highly radioactive wastes – minor actinides separated during reprocessing spent nuclear fuel of FR and VVER reactors. 2. VVER reactors: Generate electricity in compliance with manoeuvrability requirements imposed by the utility company operating the energy system; Utilize MOX-fuel instead of UO2 fuel; Are offered for export with the option of returning SNF back to Russia; Plutonium extracted from VVER spent fuel is used for manufacturing MOX-fuel for SFR. 3. Nuclear fuel cycle facilities: Provide reprocessing of SNF from VVER and SFR with extraction of nuclear materials for recycling; Use depleted or reprocessed uranium and plutonium extracted from spent nuclear fuel for manufacturing MOX-fuel; Provide partitioning of RAW for subsequent utilization of minor actinides and reduction of risks of proliferation of nuclear materials, conditioning and disposal of RAW. Russia possesses capacities for establishing the two-component system with CNFC, as well as the new business approach to rendering CNFC services to foreign customers.