Incentives for Slightly-Enriched Ureanium in CANDU

Abstract

Different studies undertaken over many years have all indicated an economic incentive for the use of slightly-enriched uranium (SEU) in CANDU reactors. The extent of this incentive has varied with the relative cost of uranium and enrichment services available at the time. Recent reviews within AECL to identify new fuels that could be developed for use in CANDU reactors have indicated that SEU is now one of the most promising candidates. This current view is based on not only the attractive economics associated with the prospect of low enrichment costs in the future, but also on a number of technical benefits, and a large reduction in spent fuel volume. The intent of this paper is to identify the major incentives.