KOSEN 한인과학기술자네트워크

Nuclear energy has been part of the world's energy mix for almost fifty years. However, over the past twenty years increased public concern over this form of energy has resulted in socio-political constraints on its use. Yet recently expressed concerns over sustainable development and climate change have caused renewed interest in the potential role of nuclear energy in the world's future energy supply mix. The role of nuclear energy in a sustainable energy future has multiple facets, a significant number of which relate to the nuclear fuel cycle. Many sustainability issues are associated with the fuel cycle, e.g. use of natural resources, economics, waste arisings, public aeeptance, proliferation resistance. In addition, the development of new reactor types with improved characteristics will generally entail concurrent important developments in the related fuel cycle. With this in mind, the NEA Committee for Technical and Economic Studies on Nuclear Energy Development and the Fuel Cycle considered that a fresh look at the nuclear fuel cycle options was timely. A study was thus undertaken to review the main developments in the nuclear fuel cycle that may further improve the competitiveness and sustainability of nuclear generating systems. The present report seeks to place the defferent fuel cycle developments in a medium and longer-term framework that may respond to societal demand for more sustainable energy options. It addresses prioritisation issues by considering criteria and indicators for future nuclear energy systems. It supports other NEA reports on the role of nuclear energy in a sustainable context and is directed towards those readers involoved in nuclear energy policy and decision making. The study was carried out by an Expert Group (see Annex A) comprising representatives of the nuclear industry, government agencies, and research organisations involved in various aspects of nuclear fuel cycle development. It does not necessarily represent the official governmental opinion of NEA Member countries or that of the international organisations involved. The report is published on the responsibility of the Secretary-General of the OECD.