A Joint BNFL/Toshiba Approach for the Optimisation of Radioactive Waste Management

Abstract

The key objective in radioactive waste management is to optimise the overall waste management system from waste generation through to disposal. To achieve this a number of criteria are utilised against which optimisation is evaluated including minimum lifetime costs and optimum volume of waste whilst maintaining maximum safety. BNFL and Toshiba Corporation are working together to combine their expertise and experience in waste management to provide an enhanced capability. This paper describes the joint approach being undertaken by BNFL and Toshiba addressing international radioactive waste aimed at helping the global nuclear industry play its role in meeting global environmental targets. The importance of considering the final disposal requirements such that treatment processes are optimised to produce directly disposable products is a key part of BNFL/Toshiba's strategy. To this end the team are drawing on the experience gained by UK Nirex in the development of repository scenarios for the UK. The benefits of this approach are described in the paper. The combined experience of BNFL/Toshiba is being applied defining the overall strategy for a large number of waste streams. These include operational wastes from reactor systems and the treatment of decommissioning wastes.