Technical Issues Unresolved for Realization of DUPIC Fuel Cycle in Korea

Abstract

A research and development (R and D) project on DUPIC (Direct Use of Spent PWR Fuel in CANDU) fuel is jointly underway, involving three countries: Korea, Canada and USA. There are strong incentives for developing DUPIC fuel from the standpoints of improved utilization of uranium resources, reduction of nuclear wastes, and proliferation resistance. But, in terms of manpower and resources, there are a number of technical issues to be resolved before full-fledged research efforts on the DUPIC fuel project can be initiated in Korea. It is desirable for the participating parties to demonstrate that the issues can be resolved with little or no change, or modification to the design or equipment, of the existing CANDU reactors in Korea, and that they will not pose any threat to the progress of the DUPIC fuel project. Hence, the cooperating parties in the DUPIC project need to focus effort on resolving these technical issues prior to committing major research work.