Yucca Mountain in Nevada is now designated as the site of the nation's repository for high-level radioactive wastes, principally spent fuel from power reactors, but also naval spent fuel and other military waste. The Yucca Mountain site straddles the boundary between two extensive federal military properties on which there have been over one thousand nuclear bomb tests, mostly underground.
The votes pave the way for the Dept. of Energy (DOE) to proceed with applying for a licence for the site from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and to devise transport plans. Both will involve the demonstration of high safety standards. The NRC is expected to take up to four years to review the application and decide whether to issue a construction licence and then a permit to operate. The repository is not expected to open before 2010.
Congress in 1982 passed the original law requiring a repository for military high-level waste and civil spent fuel, and for DOE to take title to the wastes from 1998, which effectively did not happen. The present recommendation is the result of 20 years work, and is in the context of $18 billion funding provision. The current wastes designated for Yucca Mountain are at 72 commercial and 5 DOE sites across the USA, some of which are running out of space (capacity was planned on the basis that DOE would start removing wastes from 1998).
In his February letter to the President the Energy Secretary said: "Technically and scientifically the Yucca Mountain site is fully suitable, development of a repository [there] serves the national interest in numerous important ways, and the arguments against its designation do not rise to a level that would outweigh the case for going forward."
The President then said in his letter to Congress that "a deep geological repository, such as Yucca Mountain, is important for our national security and our energy future. Nuclear energy is the second largest source of US electricity generation and must remain a major component of our national energy policy in the years to come."
An international review organised by OECD's Nuclear Energy Agency and the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency found that the DOE's system assessment for the proposed Yucca Mountain repository was soundly based and competently implemented.
The repository is designed for spent fuel and high-level radioactive wastes containing 70,000 tonnes of heavy metal, 63,000 tonnes in commercial spent fuel and the balance from DOE. It will be put at least 200 metres below the surface and at least 160 metres above the water table. There is provision for DOE to seek Congressional approval about 2007 for extending the repository capacity to 120,000 tonnes.
The decision provides a major boost for nuclear energy, and not only in the United States. In the past year two legislatures -- Finland's and the US Congress -- have faced the question of supporting a permanent geological repository, and both have voted decisively in favour. Those in other countries seeking progress in the handling of nuclear waste are certain to draw encouragement from these positive moves.
DOE EIS February 2002, NEI 10/7/02.
Further boosts to US power plants.
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has renewed the operating licences of FP&L's Turkey Point units 3 & 4. The twin 666 MWe units started up in 1972-73 and will now be able to run until 2032-33. This makes a total of ten units at five sites which have had licences renewed for a further 20 years.
The NRC has also approved a 15% uprate for CP&L's Brunswick nuclear power plant. Unit 1 will be increased from 841 to 958 MWe, and next year unit 2 will be boosted from 835 to 951 MWe. The reactors started up in 1975-76.
Looking further to the future, the US Dept of Energy has announced three partnerships - with Exelon, Entergy and Dominion Resources, - to share the cost of submitting formal applications to the NRC for early site approvals for new reactors, at Clinton, Grand Gulf and North Anna respectively.
NucNet news # 206 & 222/02, Ux Weekly 10/6/02.
Commitment to new US enrichment capacity.
USEC Inc has signed an agreement with the US Dept of Energy involving long-term commitment for provision of enrichment capacity in the USA. The DOE commits to work with USEC in developing advanced centrifuge technology, which had previously languished because of lack of government support (beyond the US$ 3 billion already sunk into it over two decades). For its part, USEC commits to deploying a small "advanced uranium enrichment plant" by 2011, and operating its old Paducah diffusion plant until then. USEC expects to double its spending on advanced technology projects in 2003, including development of the SILEX laser enrichment process which it has described as the next generation technology beyond centrifuges, and which is expected to be ready for deployment by 2010.
The DOE agreement is tied to renewal of the Russian HEU deal whereby USEC takes the low-enriched uranium derived from Russian high-enriched uranium through to 2013. This currently represents some 5.5 million SWU (enrichment units) per year, compared with the agreed minimum level for Paducah of 3.5 million SWU/yr and US sales of 10-11 million SWU/yr. The centrifuge capacity commitment is for only about 1 million SWU/yr, enough for military purposes (fuel for some 90 small reactors in US Navy submarines and carriers). The US-Australian agreement covering SILEX technology does not allow military use of the product.
Meanwhile the Louisiana Energy Services (LES) consortium led by Urenco has been making plans to build a US$ 1.1 billion, 3 million SWU/yr centrifuge enrichment plant in the USA, using well-proven European technology. It now provisionally includes Cameco, which may lift its interest to 25%, and Westinghouse, as well as three US utilities and Fluor-Daniel. A site is expected to be announced in August and the licence application will then proceed, with the first cascade expected to be operational in 2006.
USEC 18/6/02, Silex 20/6/02 & 2001 Annual report, Ux Weekly 22/7/02.
US plans major nuclear R&D centre.
The US Energy Secretary has announced plans to develop the Idaho National Environmental and Engineering Laboratory (INEEL) into the leading US centre for nuclear energy R&D. It would take the lead role in Generation IV advanced reactor development and in advanced nuclear fuel cycle technologies focused on management of spent fuel, including reprocessing and transmutation. Development of secure transport systems and new dry storage technology for spent fuel are also envisaged for INEEL. Argonne National Laboratory-West will also be involved - the two have led the development and demonstration of civil nuclear technology for half a century and have designed, built and operated more than 50 reactors on the site.
DOE 17/7/02, NucNet news # 249/02.
New grants to refurbish US nuclear education.
In the context of concern about nuclear physics and engineering programs and research reactor facilities at US universities, a new program has been set up to encourage new investment in these areas and to establish strategic partnerships with national laboratories and industry. The Innovations in Nuclear Infrastructure & Education (INIE) program will complement 65 new nuclear engineering grants by the Dept. of Energy to 31 universities.
NucNet news # 206/02.
Cameco purchases Smith Ranch mine.
Through a subsidiary which already operates the adjacent Highland ISL mine, Cameco Corporation has agreed to purchase the Smith Ranch ISL mine in Wyoming from BHP Billiton subsidiary Rio Algom. The 900 t/yr mine has reserves of 12,000 tonnes U3O8. The deal includes "other ISL properties" in the state. Cameco will assume US$ 11 million decommissioning liabilities.
Cameco 19/6/02.
For the EU itself, the EC has pointed to nuclear energy as a key issue in its summary of debate on the green paper on security of EU energy supply, though it "depends on finding a clear, sustainable and unequivocal answer to ...safety standards and [aspects of] radioactive wastes." Certainly "the nuclear option remains open".
EC 26/6/02, NucNet news # 250/02.
Swiss parliament reaffirms nuclear policy.
In debate on a bill to update the country's nuclear law, Switzerland's lower house of parliament has rejected moves to limit the operating lifetimes of the country's nuclear power plants, and has also opposed government proposals to phase out reprocessing of spent fuel.
NucNet news # 219/02.
New Czech reactor starts up.
The Czech Republic's sixth nuclear power reactor achieved criticality at the end of May. Temelin-2 is a 921 MWe VVER-1000 unit with western control systems. Its twin was connected to the grid in December 2000 but did not reach full power until this year due to a series of problems with the generator system.
The Czech government has approved a spent fuel strategy which confirms on-site dry storage with eventual disposal to a deep geological repository from about 2065. The cost of the program is funded by a 0.05 crown (US$ 0.13 cent)/kWh levy. A storage facility is operating at Dukovany, and one is now planned for Temelin.
NucNet news # 192/02, NuclearFuel 27/5/02.
UK white paper on nuclear legacy, BNFL writes off historic liabilities.
The Dept of Trade & Industry (DTI) has published its white paper on managing the UK's nuclear legacy, essentially civil but with some defence wastes and plants used partly for defence purposes early on. "The plain fact is that whatever nuclear's future might be, we have to deal with the consequences of its past. Doing nothing is not an option. There is no short-term threat to safety but the generations that have benefited from past programs must ensure that their legacy is discharged safely and in ways that safeguard the environment for future generations." The sites concerned are BNFL's Sellafield, Capenhurst, Springfields and Drigg, several UKAEA sites and the Magnox reactor sites.
The clean-up will be managed by a new Liabilities Management Authority, which will take over all the designated liabilities and assets, including the "substantial" revenue stream from the THORP reprocessing plant at Sellafield. Its cost is likely to mount to £48 billion eventually, with £1 billion per year being required over the next decade. Sellafield (with Drigg low-level wastes) accounts for £27.5 billion, Magnox sites £12 billion and Dounreay £3.9 billion. Costs are fairly evenly split between decommissioning and waste management.
In 1986 the government accepted full financial responsibility for liabilities arising from the UKAEA's R&D programs, through DTI and Defence. On BNFL sites, some 12% of the cost is covered by commercial contracts, 20% is funded by the taxpayer via UKAEA and Defence, and the balance falls to BNFL or will be met by the government pursuant to its 1998 undertaking on Magnox reactors. Funding of the whole undertaking will be mainly from annual payments from the government, plus surpluses from continued operation of commercial assets.
Following the white paper, BNFL made £2.35 billion provision in its accounts for dealing with management of historic wastes at Sellafield and for early closure of its eight oldest Magnox reactors - at Calder Hall and Chapelcross. The announcement tabulated £40.5 billion undiscounted liabilities on BNFL sites, of which BNFL's share is £27.2 billion (or £12.8 billion if discounted). These will be taken over by the Liabilities Management Authority, along with financial assets of £9.0 billion. "The Board wish to see this proceed to the earliest possible timescales." Apart from the extraordinary items, BNFL reported a £22 million pre tax profit, with three divisions having significant profits, but the Magnox division losing £115 million on £380 million turnover.
BNFL earlier announced that it will close the four Calder Hall reactors (total 194 MWe) next year, and the four Chaplecross units (total 192 MWe) by March 2005, some three years earlier than planned. The eight Magnox units, dating from 1956-60, are too small and too old to be economic.
DTI 4/7/02, DTI white paper, BNFL 21/6/02 & 16/7/02.
Funding for new east European reactors.
Russia has signed a US$ 144 million loan agreement with Ukraine which will provide about half the funding needed to complete the Rovno-4 nuclear reactor, as well as progressing work on Khmelnitski-2, replacing lost capacity from Chernobyl. Further funds are expected from western Europe.
Romania is close to finalising export credits from France, Italy and Canada for completion of the Cernavoda-2 nuclear reactor, the main part of it being from Canada for the Candu-6 reactor itself. A further loan of US$ 350 million is being sought from the EC. The government has declared the project a national priority.
NucNet business news # 40/02, Nucleonics Week 27/6/02.
Sweden to initiate talks on nuclear future.
Sweden's parliament has confirmed coalition government plans to initiate discussion with the nuclear utilities regarding closure of ten Swedish nuclear reactors at the end of their economic lives, possibly after 2030. The decision excludes Barseback-2, which is planned for closure next year if its output can be replaced from non-fossil sources and there is no economic detriment. There is no sign of these conditions being met. The broader decision confirms the step back from the 2010 nuclear phase-out envisaged in a 1980 referendum, and is influenced by the agreement between the German government and its utilities for eventual phase-out after several decades. Discussions are likely to centre on Sweden's unique nuclear generation tax which adds some 15% to nuclear generation costs, and replacement capacity.
Nucleonics Week 13/6/02, NucNet background # 10/02.
Russia plans major radwaste facilities.
A dry storage facility for 40,000 tonnes of spent fuel is to be built at Krasnoyarsk, near the incomplete RT-2 reprocessing plant at Zheleznogorsk in southern Siberia. Nuclear power utility Rosenergoatom is likely to finance it, and construction of the US$ 120 million first stage is to begin next year and be ready for 10,000 t by 2006-07.
Also Minatom has announced that following public hearings last year it will proceed with a US$ 80 million repository for intermediate-level and low-level solid wastes on the large island of Novaya Zemlya, northeast of Murmansk and Archangel, from which region (Kola Peninsula) the wastes will come. Construction of the repository and associated port will take three years. An 18 month safety assessment of the project is being led by Swedish waste agency SKB, and will look at the implications of siting on permafrost.
Andreeva Bay - a decaying military facility - is likely to be a major source of material for the repository, but clean-up efforts involving several countries are hampered by a delay in signing the agreement for the Multilateral Nuclear Environment Program in the Russian Federation (MNEPR) on liability.
TradeTech NMR 31/5/02, NucNet news # 202 & 205/02, Nucleonics Week 4/7/02.
BNFL wins large German MOX contract.
British nuclear services company BNFL has secured a major contract with Germany's largest nuclear generator E.ON for reprocessing and to convert all of its separated plutonium from spent fuel into new Mixed Oxide (MOX) fuel. This contract is the largest to date for the new Sellafield MOX Plant, and will utilise a significant proportion of its capacity for some years.
BNFL 24/5/02.
Finland a 'role model' for UK - BE.
The Executive Chairman of British Energy has pointed to Finland as a role model for UK energy policy, since there had been progress from debate to implementation. He cited two key aspects: a commitment to rational energy policy which looked to the future in respect to security of supply and price vulnerability as well as environmental quality, and its long-term commitment to dealing with nuclear wastes. The latter dated from the early 1980s and there has been steady progress towards having a deep geological repository for all Finland's spent fuel operating in 2020, with the support of communities involved. This would be fully funded from past and future levies on electricity produced. Underground low- and intermediate-level waste repositories are already operating, along with a spent fuel storage facility separate from the reactors, since 1987. The recent decision to add 40-50% to Finland's nuclear capacity was seen as a helpful example for BE's endeavours to at least maintain the nuclear proportion of UK's electricity long-term.
In a recent poll, a clear majority of Finns supports the parliamentary decision to build a new power reactor in the country. Some 78% thought that substantial dependence on electricity imported from Russia was a problem, though opinions on the most important criteria for electricity production were varied among price, environmental concerns, security of supply and self sufficiency. Overall 55% approved of the parliamentary vote, 31% opposed it and others were undecided.
NucNet news # 206/02.
Nuclear power cost-effective in UK for Kyoto.
A Cambridge Econometrics study suggests that UK electricity users would save up to 40% on the cost of meeting greenhouse gas reduction targets if existing nuclear plants are replaced with new nuclear capacity. Without nuclear replacement, consumers could pay up to £55 per tonne of carbon discharged, but with nuclear the figure is £33/t. (The £55/t carbon applied to coal-fired plant means 1.5 p/kWh price increment.)
NucNet business news # 29/02.
Lithuania to close second reactor in 2009.
After sustained disagreement on the issue, negotiations between Lithuania and the EU have resulted in a decision to close Ignalina-2 in 2009, conditional upon "adequate financial support" from the EU. This helps clear the way for the country to join the EU in 2004. Ignalina-1 is to close by 2005. Both are very large Soviet RBMK type reactors which started up in 1984 and 1987, and supply 80% of the country's electricity.
Nucleonics Week 13/6/02.
Russian progress on Chinese projects.
Renewed cooperation between Russia and China on nuclear energy is focused on the two large Tianwan reactors, now about one third complete. Russia is also building a centrifuge enrichment plant at Lanzhou and discussing a further phase of this. Construction of China's first fast neutron reactor, an experimental 60 MW unit, is expected to be completed in 2005.
NucNet business news # 44/02.
MOX shipment departs Japan.
The shipment of returned MOX fuel (rejected by Japanese utility Kansai) has left Japan en route to UK via the Tasman Sea and Cape of Good Hope. The two ships are classified as the highest safety category of the International Maritime Organisation and are part of the small PNTL fleet which has sailed over 7.5 million kilometres on such voyages without incident. BNFL intends to recover the fissile material in the fuel and re-use it in new fuel.
BNFL 4/7/02.
New Canadian reactor design launched.
AECL has announced the launch of its Advanced Candu Reactor (ACR), previously known as the Candu NG. This departs from traditional CANDU technology in having light water cooling as in a PWR, and a compact core with slightly enriched uranium oxide. Capital cost is thus 40% lower (about US$ 1000 per kilowatt if built in pairs) and construction of a 700 MWe model could begin in 2005. A 1000 MWe version is under development.
AECL has a pre-application review of the ACR-700 design under way with the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, following which an extra two years would be needed for NRC design certification. A parallel licensing track is being pursued in Canada, and the design is under active consideration by British Energy for UK. AECL claims that it could be built in four years, from contract signing to completion.
AECL June 2002, Nukem Market Report June 2002, NEI Nuclear Energy Overview 1/7/02.
Canada's McArthur River reserves up.
Ore reserve figures in Cameco's 2001 annual report show a 40,000 t U3O8 (34,000 tU) jump in proven and probable reserves at McArthur River, to 219,00 t U3O8 - almost as great as the total for all other Canadian uranium reserves and resources.
Australian uranium production and exports down.
Uranium production for the half year to 30 June was reduced due to Olympic Dam constraints. WMC reported production of 590 tonnes U3O8 from Olympic Dam for the quarter, making 1180 t for 6 months (1192 t UOC, 1001 tU) and ERA reported 934 t U3O8 for Ranger, making 1863 t for six months (1580 tU). Heathgate is expected to report Beverley production soon.
Australian uranium exports for the year to 30 June were 7366 tonnes U3O8 - 39% to Japan, 36% to USA, 11% to S. Korea, 5% to Canada and 9% to EU.
DITR, WMC, ERA.
Bilateral arms reduction treaty.
The US-Russian treaty signed in Moscow will "reduce and limit strategic nuclear warheads" in each country by two thirds over the next decade. This builds on the 1991 START treaty which preceded the 1994 agreement to supply 500 tonnes of high-enriched Russian uranium from 1999, blended down for US electricity generation. While the new treaty may have a similar flow-on in due course, in the short term dismantled warheads are to be stored, not recycled.
NY Times 24/5/02, Ux Weekly 27/5/02.
Japan reports progress in burning Russian weapons plutonium.
The Japan Nuclear Fuel Cycle Development Institute (JNC) has reported that it has successfully burned a test batch of mixed oxide (MOX) fuel made from 60 kg of Russian weapons plutonium. The 22-month test was undertaken in Russia's BN-600 fast reactor at Beloyarsk, using compacted granular fuel instead of conventional pellets. The work was carried out as part of international non-proliferation activities to dispose of plutonium from dismantled weapons, which differs significantly from that in normal MOX fuel.
By 2004 it is expected that the new MOX fuel using weapons-grade plutonium will be routinely burned in the BN-600 core, replacing highly-enriched uranium.
Atoms in Japan June 2002.
Implementation of Kyoto Protocol moves closer.
With Japan following the EU in ratifying the Kyoto Protocol, it appears that the Protocol may come in to force this year. Japan brings the total to over 70 countries ratifying, accounting for about 35% of world greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Russia, with 17.5% of world emissions, is likely to follow, which will bring the total close to the necessary 55% of GHG emissions. Japan is required to reduce emissions by 6% from the 1990 level by 2010, with nuclear power being a key part of its strategy to achieve this. Utilities plan 13 new reactors totalling 17,500 MWe to be commissioned in the next nine years.
The USA, with 36% of world GHG emissions and which expects those emissions to increase 43% over 2000-2020, remains opposed to joining the treaty unless it involves developing countries, and Australia is not signing on without USA.
Age & Australian 5/6/02, Atoms in Japan May 2002.
Clarification of terrorist vulnerability.
A study undertaken by the Electric Power Research Institute in USA has confirmed the initial assessment that US nuclear power plants would withstand a September 11 type attack without any catastrophic release of radioactivity. Both reactor containment and spent fuel storage were considered.
The Nuclear Energy Institute has also responded to media speculation that a 'dirty bomb' might utilise spent nuclear fuel from power reactors, and underlined the practical impossibility of this on radiological and physical grounds as well as normal security.
NEI Infowire 18/6/02, NucNet background # 9/02.
Reactor table
Nuclear power in the world today
Advanced reactors
Safety of nuclear power reactors
Renewable energy and electricity
Smoke detectors & Americium
Canada's uranium production
Uranium and depleted U
Plutonium
Nuclear energy in Finland (new)
The Hydrogen economy
Economics of nuclear power
Nuclear powered ships
World uranium mining
Australia's uranium & who buys it
See also Ux Consulting graphs
GPO Box 1649N, Melbourne 3001, Australia
phone (03) 9629 7744
e-mail: uic@mpx.com.au
fax (03) 9629 7207