The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine is accepting nominations for experts to a new panel that will write reports on the nuclear fuel cycle and waste issues linked to advanced nuclear reactors.
Nominations are due by June 11, according to the National Academies.
The experts will “evaluate and assess (1) the merits and viability of different nuclear fuel cycles and technology options, and (2) the waste aspects of advanced nuclear reactors (that could be commercially deployed within the next 30 years),” the Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit science organization said in its notice. “A consensus report will be produced to respond to each topic.”
Current and anticipated fuel cycle and technology options are expected to be considered in the first report, which will focus on the fuel cycle program at the Energy Department’s Office of Nuclear Energy, the notice says.
The second report will address volumes and characteristics of the waste streams from multiple planned advanced nuclear reactor systems, along with storage and disposal of those wastes and the potential effect of spent-fuel recycling on waste production. The experts will study
“the economics of the possible waste disposal systems that could be required for advanced reactors,” according to the notice.
The committee is planned to have 16 volunteer members, in specialties including nuclear engineering and design, reactor physics and neutronics, fuel cycle options and technologies, waste transportation, and nuclear waste storage and disposal issues.
The National Academies said it wants two members from outside the United States. “Their international perspectives are relevant for the event in which the United States provides fuel to other countries and maintains ownership of the special nuclear material in the fresh and irradiated fuels.”
