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Title:
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The economics of reprocessing vs. direct disposal of spent nuclear fuel
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Author(s):
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Zwaan, B.C.C. van der; Bunn, M., Fetter, S., Holdren, J.P.
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Published by:
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Publication date:
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ECN
Policy Studies
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1-6-2005
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ECN report number:
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Document type:
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ECN-RX--05-127
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Article (scientific)
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Number of pages:
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0
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Published in: Nuclear Technology, 150, June 2005, pp. 209-230 (), , , Vol., p.-.
Abstract:
We assess the economics of reprocessing versus direct disposal of spent
fuel. The uranium price at which reprocessing spent fuel from light
water reactors (LWRs) and recycling the resulting plutonium and uranium
in LWRs would become economic is estimated for a range of reprocessing
prices and other fuel cycle costs. The contribution of both fuel cycle
options to the cost of electricity is also estimated. A similar analysis
is performed to compare fast neutron reactors (FRs) with LWRs. We review
available information about various fuel cycle costs, as well as the
quantities of uranium likely to be recoverable at a range of future
prices. We conclude that the once-through LWR fuel cycle is likely to
remain significantly cheaper than recycling in either LWRs or FRs for
at least the next 50 yr, even with substantial growth in nuclear power.
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