Thorium cycle: development steps for PWR and ADS applications

Objective

The use of the thorium cycle offers challenging options for nuclear waste reduction, both at the back end and the front end. The objective of the proposed work is to supply key data for application of the Th- cycle in PWRs, FRs and ADS, related to Pu/TRU burning and reduction of the lifetime of nuclear waste. To achieve this, the irradiation behaviour of Th/Pu fuel at high burnup and for relevant neutronic conditions will be examined. Vital data for geological disposal scenarios will be determined, and new waste-minimizing routes for reprocessing of thorium based fuel will be investigated. The very high Pu/TRU consumption in Th/Pu fuel will be validated by full core calculations and essential nuclear data for these core calculations will be determined experimentally.

Programme(s)

• FP5-EAECTP C - Research and training programme (Euratom) in the field of nuclear energy (1998 to 2002)

Topic(s)

• 2.1.2.-3.1.2 - Other reactor concepts and fuel cycles

Funding Scheme

Coordinator

Participants (6)