ML25073A050
| ML25073A050 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 03/18/2025 |
| From: | George M, Maurice Heath Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards |
| To: | |
| References | |
| Download: ML25073A050 (57) | |
Text
United States of America March 18, 2025 Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management
2 Department of State Office of Nuclear Energy, Safety and Security Jordan Swarthout Foreign Affairs Officer USA Presentation - Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint Convention - March 2025
Presentation Outline 3
- Overview of the United States Program
- Changes in the program since the 7th Review Meeting
- Key take-aways USA Presentation - Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint Convention - March 2025
Regulatory Framework EPA Establishes Environmental Standards NRC Agreement States EPA Authorized States NRC Regulates Commercial Nuclear Sector DOE Regulates DOE Activities 4
USA Presentation - Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint Convention - March 2025
Questions and comments received on the U.S. National Report 5
USA Presentation - Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint Convention - March 2025 Spent Fuel/High-Level Waste 41%
Decommissioning 7%
Total 165 Questions and Comments Other 14%
Disused Sealed Sources 5%
Legacy Management 4%
Treatment 6%
Waste Isolation Pilot Plant 1%
Radiation Protection 5%
Low-Level Waste 17%
IAEA Guidance: Changes in the U.S. Program since the 7th Review Meeting Progress in spent fuel (SF) and high-level radioactive waste (HLW) disposition, including current focus on siting one or more federal consolidated interim storage facilities for commercial spent fuel using a collaboration-based siting approach; and review of applications from private entities for interim storage Continued recovery and disposition of disused sealed sources Continued safe decommissioning of facilities Progress on improvements to the low-level waste (LLW) regulatory framework and decommissioning process Progress in developing a disposal pathway and regulatory basis for greater-than-class C (GTCC) LLW disposal Consideration of the challenges and suggestions mentioned in previous Review Meetings and efforts to improve safety Continued efforts to ensure openness and transparency of the Joint Convention activities 6
USA Presentation - Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint Convention - March 2025
Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Energy Highlights Paul Murray Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Spent Fuel & High-Level Waste Disposition USA Presentation - Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint Convention - March 2025 7
USA Presentation - Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint Convention - March 2025
Timeline History of Deep Geologic Repository Program 8
USA Presentation - Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint Convention - March 2025
Taxpayer Liability For Spent Nuclear Fuel*
9
$27.1B
$29.B
$30.8B
$34.1B
$35.5B
$36.5B
$39.2B
$39.9B
$41.1B
$44.7B
$48.7B
$60M
$132M
$217M
$302M
$388M
$461M
$546M
$654M
$750M
$860M
$974M
$0B
$5B
$10B
$15B
$20B
$25B
$30B
$35B
$40B
$45B
$50B
$55B 2013 2015 2017 2019 2021 2023 2025 FISCAL YEAR Total Liability Appropriations USA Presentation - Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint Convention - March 2025
- Sources: US Department of Justice Judgement Fund Payment Database and US Department of Energys Nuclear Waste Fund Annual Financial Statement Audit Report.
U.S. Spent Nuclear Fuel in Context 10 USA Presentation - Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint Convention - March 2025 1958 United States began using commercial nuclear power 2024 94 operating commercial reactors at 54 nuclear power plants in 28 states 20 nuclear power plants have shut down
~95,000 metric tons of spent nuclear fuel (SNF)
End of Current Fleet United States estimated to have up to approximately 180,000 metric tons of commercial spent nuclear fuel
Total Reactors in Operation vs. Cumulative SNF 11 USA Presentation - Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint Convention - March 2025 Source: Spent Nuclear Fuel and Reprocessing Waste Inventory, PNNL-33938, Rev. 1.1, December 2024.
12 Integrated Waste Management USA Presentation - Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint Convention - March 2025
- As we continue to deploy nuclear energy, we need to make progress on the back end of the fuel cycle
- While spent nuclear fuel (SNF) is stored safely all over the country, the communities that have the spent fuel never agreed to host the material long term
- DOE is responsible for managing the nations spent fuel and high-level radioactive waste and is exploring options for storage and disposal, including interim storage. Factors that DOE is continuing to evaluate include -
The most efficient & timely options for fulfilling its responsibility, and Evaluating how best to ensure effective participation and take into account the concerns of local communities
Potential Approach to Integrated Waste Management for Spent Nuclear Fuel and High-Level Waste Federal Consolidated Interim Storage Facilities (CISFs) 13 USA Presentation - Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint Convention - March 2025
14 Atlas Railcar
- 12-axle railcar built to transport SNF containers
- In summer of 2024, certified by the Association of American Railroads to transport up to 480,000 pounds on all major U.S. freight railroads
- Only purpose-built railcar for transporting commercial SNF certified for transport in North America USA Presentation - Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint Convention - March 2025
Supporting the safe long term dry storage of high burnup fuel at nuclear power plant sites (>45GWd/t burn-up)
Majority of spent nuclear fuel is now high burnup Project is important to license renewal applications for over 60 of the current commercial fleet Need to move the cask from operating reactor site to new home in 2027
~13.6 metric tons of SNF NRC regulations for extended storage of high burnup spent nuclear fuel require opening the cask and examining fuel rods by 2038 Evaluating DOE candidate sites as potential destinations for the cask 15 USA Presentation - Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint Convention - March 2025 High Burnup Research Cask
Federal Consolidated Interim Storage Facility (CISF)
Since the last Review Meeting, DOEs Office of Nuclear Energy has explored developing the capability to transport and store (on an interim basis) the inventory of SNF at shutdown nuclear power plants May 2024, approved as a DOE capital acquisition project These activities would be undertaken in accordance with NRC regulations and guidelines 16 USA Presentation - Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint Convention - March 2025
Package Performance Project (PPP)
CEGB public demonstration test. Image from, Going the Distance?
The Safe Transport of Spent Nuclear Fuel and High-Level Radioactive Waste in the United States, The National Academies Press, Washington, D.C. (2006).
Locomotive impacting a tractor-trailer system.
17 USA Presentation - Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint Convention - March 2025 Why is DOE planning a PPP?
Build public trust and confidence in the safety of SNF transportation casks and SNF transportation by rail Record high-resolution video to use in DOE communication products and public outreach Explore additional opportunities to strengthen relationships DOE is considering:
Potential demonstrations to be performed Potential testing facilities Potential transportation casks Potential analytical tools
Considering Waste Management for Advanced Nuclear Reactors
- DOE is exploring options for an amended standard contract with reactor operators that provides confidence the SNF can be disposed in a deep geological repository
- Working to mitigate risk to deployment of advanced reactors
- DOEs integrated project team conducting technical assessment of storage, transportation, and disposal
- Exploring collaborating with international partners, UK, France, Canada and Japan TerraPower Natrium 18 USA Presentation - Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint Convention - March 2025
- Consider all options for the program in line with the Nuclear Waste Policy Act
- Continue to support international research &
development (R&D) related to generic repository studies
- Build capability in US industry to support the start of a future program
- Collaborating with DOE Office of Environmental Management (EM) on lessons learned from the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP)
Image credit: Posiva Generic Repository Program 19 USA Presentation - Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint Convention - March 2025
Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management Highlights 20 USA Presentation - Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint Convention - March 2025
EM MISSION 21
- To complete the safe cleanup of the environmental legacy from decades of nuclear weapons development and government-sponsored nuclear energy research
- EM's priority is to ensure the safety and health of the public and drive down environmental risks while supporting U.S. jobs, U.S. energy and U.S. security USA Presentation - Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint Convention - March 2025
DOE Management of Radioactive Waste
- Low-Level Radioactive Waste: is waste that is not high-level radioactive waste, spent fuel, transuranic waste, by-product material, or naturally occurring radioactive material
- Mixed Waste: is waste that contains both source, special nuclear, or by-product material subject to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, and a hazardous component subject to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
- Transuranic Waste: is waste containing more than 100 nanocuries (3700 becquerels) of alpha-emitting transuranic isotopes per gram of waste, with half-lives greater than 20 years, except for:
(1) high-level radioactive waste; (2) waste that the Secretary of Energy has determined, with the concurrence of the Administrator of EPA, does not need the degree of isolation required by 40 CFR Part 191 disposal regulations; or (3) waste that the NRC has approved for disposal on a case-by-case basis in accordance with 10 CFR Part 61.
22 USA Presentation - Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint Convention - March 2025
Key Mission Elements 23 Tank Waste Special Nuclear Material and Spent Fuel Radioactive Waste Disposal Soil and Groundwater Remediation Facility Deactivation and Decommissioning USA Presentation - Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint Convention - March 2025
Strategic Vision 2024-2034 24
- EMs Strategic Vision for 2024-2034 is an update that provides a clear and concise roadmap to guide EM planning and priorities
- In 2020 EM issued the first Strategic Vision, chartering a path for the coming decade, the 2020 vision plotted out planned accomplishments, including major decommissioning and new tank waste treatment capabilities, as well as strategic initiatives to best position EM for the future Find the Strategic Vision at: https://www.energy.gov/em/em-strategic-vision USA Presentation - Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint Convention - March 2025
Hanford Site
A Proven Record of Cleanup 26 Since 1989, DOE has completed its cleanup mission at 92 of the 107 major nuclear weapons and nuclear research sites.
USA Presentation - Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint Convention - March 2025
EM-Managed SF & HLW Inventory 27 TOTAL DOE-managed SF
~ 2,450 MTHM*
SF ~ 2,130 MTHM*
HLW ~ 5,200 MTHM*
SF~ 271 MTHM*
HLW ~ 3750 MTHM*
OTHER DOMESTIC SITES SF ~ 7 MTHM*
SF ~ 15 MTHM*
SF ~ 27 MTHM*
HLW ~ 4,057 MTHM*
USA Presentation - Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint Convention - March 2025
SRS F Tank Farm.
Savannah River Site USA Presentation - Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint Convention - March 2025 Defense Waste Processing Facility Tank Farm H Canyon
Spent Fuel and High-Level Radioactive Waste 29 USA Presentation - Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint Convention - March 2025
SRS F Tank Farm.
Idaho Site HLW Clean-Up USA Presentation - Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint Convention - March 2025 Integrated Waste Treatment Unit Calcine Bin Sets INTEC
SF and HLW Challenges 31
- Currently, there is no disposal pathway for SNF and HLW. However, all wastes for disposal must meet as-yet-to-be-issued repository acceptance criteria
- EM works closely with the Office of Nuclear Energy, National Laboratories, and other stakeholders to ensure the SNF inventory and HLW will be accepted for disposal
- EM continues to safely and securely store and manage the SNF inventory in wet/dry storage facilities on-site until a geologic repository is available
- EM must safely manage aging waste tanks, retrieve waste from tanks/bin-sets, and permanently close the tanks and bin-sets
- Savannah River and Hanford sites use internationally-recognized high-temperature vitrification technologies to treat liquid HLW from the tank farms.
USA Presentation - Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint Convention - March 2025
Waste Isolation Pilot Plant 32 Above: On the surface, workers safely unload incoming TRUPACT shipments Below: In the underground, workers emplace waste drums in mined rooms USA Presentation - Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint Convention - March 2025
Operating DOE & Commercial Disposal Facilities 33 USA Presentation - Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint Convention - March 2025
USA Presentation - Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint Convention - March 2025 Nuclear Regulatory Commission Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards Highlights Jen Whitman Deputy Director 34 USA Presentation - Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint Convention - March 2025
NRC Mission The NRC protects public health and safety and advances the nations common defense and security by enabling the safe and secure use and deployment of civilian nuclear energy technologies and radioactive materials through efficient and reliable licensing, oversight, and regulation for the benefit of society and the environment.
An Independent Regulatory Agency for 50 years 35 USA Presentation - Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint Convention - March 2025
Three Strategic Goals for Fiscal Years 2022-2026:
Safe and secure use of radioactive materials Healthy organization Stakeholder confidence NRC Strategic Goals and Regulatory Approach Regulatory Approach 36 USA Presentation - Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint Convention - March 2025
NRCs Agreement State Program 37 USA Presentation - Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint Convention - March 2025
The ADVANCE Act
- Accelerating Deployment of Versatile, Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy Act, signed into law on July 9, 2024 Examples of the Act requirements include:
updating NRC Mission statement, addressing fees charged to applicants and pre-applicants, and recruiting and retaining the agencys workforce 38 USA Presentation - Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint Convention - March 2025
Enhancing the Regulatory Framework
- Implement specific regulatory requirements for different phases of the decommissioning process consistent with the risk
- Decommissioning Rulemaking Integrated LLRWD Rulemaking Integrated Rulemaking Depleted Uranium GTCC Waste TRU Waste Site-Specific Analyses Increase flexibility in the requirements for the near-surface disposal of wastes based on the site and waste characteristics 39 USA Presentation - Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint Convention - March 2025
Consolidated Interim Storage Facilities (CISFs) for Spent Fuel Status of two applications:
- 2. HI-STORE Consolidated Interim Storage Facility - New Mexico 40 USA Presentation - Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint Convention - March 2025
Risk-Informing and Enhancing Dry Cask Storage Reviews Catalyst for culture change in technical reviews Prioritize and guides the depth of staff reviews Captures and formalizes risk insights of dry cask storage reviews Shielding Analysis Materials Analysis Structural Analysis Thermal Analysis Criticality Analysis Confinement Analysis 41 USA Presentation - Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint Convention - March 2025
Decommissioning Reactors, Materials Sites and Tailing Sites Power Reactors in Active Decommissioning (16)
Power Reactors in Safe Storage (7)
Research Reactors in Decommissioning (3)
Palisades, Three Mile Island Unit 1, and Duane Arnold seeking potential restart DOE-Naval Reactors Nuclear Surface Ships (TBD)
Complex Materials Sites (9)
Uranium Mill Tailing Sites (5)
Uranium Mill Sites in DOE Long Term Stewardship (24)
Zion Nuclear Power Plant Fort Calhoun Auxiliary Building Demolition 42 USA Presentation - Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint Convention - March 2025 Before After Former Atlas Uranium Mill in Moab, Utah
Risk-Informing Decommissioning Oversight Guidance IMC 2561, Decommissioning Power Reactor Inspection Program IMC 2561, Decommissioning Power Reactor Inspection Program IMC 2602, Decommissioning Oversight and Inspection Program for Fuel Cycle Facilities and Materials Licensees IMC 2602, Decommissioning Oversight and Inspection Program for Fuel Cycle Facilities and Materials Licensees IMC 1248, Appendix F, Training Requirements and Qualification Journal for Decommissioning Inspectors" IMC 1248, Appendix F, Training Requirements and Qualification Journal for Decommissioning Inspectors" 43 USA Presentation - Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint Convention - March 2025
Decommissioning the Nuclear Ship (N.S.)
Savannah 44 USA Presentation - Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint Convention - March 2025
Incorporating Lessons Learned and Best Practices IMPROVING PROCESSES TO BE MORE EFFICIENT IDENTIFYING NEW IDEAS FOR TRANSFORMATION ENGAGING TO SHARE BEST PRACTICES Applying risk insights, lessons-learned, and a variety of regulatory tools to perform reviews more consistently and efficiently 45 USA Presentation - Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint Convention - March 2025
Preparing for Safe AI Deployment Enable the Safe and Secure Deployment of AI Promote Engagement With External Stakeholders Encourage Further AI Research and Development 46 USA Presentation - Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint Convention - March 2025
Key Takeaways from U.S. National Program 47 USA Presentation - Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint Convention - March 2025
U.S. proposes the following for consideration.
- Advancing the Use of AI
- Risk-Informing and Enhancing Dry Cask Storage Reviews Areas of Good Performance 48 USA Presentation - Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint Convention - March 2025
Conclusion 49 USA Presentation - Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint Convention - March 2025
- U.S. has a mature and successful safety programs for spent fuel and radioactive waste management
- Significant progress in addressing challenges since the 7th Review Meeting
- Active support for the Joint Convention
Thank you for your attention!
USA Presentation
- Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint 50 USA Presentation - Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint Convention - March 2025
USA Presentation
-Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint 51 51 Appendix: U.S. Overview Matrix
USA Presentation
-Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint 52 52 Current Practice/Facilities Future Facilities Long-Term Management Policy Disposal in a geologic repository in compliance with the Nuclear Waste Policy Act.
The standard contract between utilities and DOE for the disposal of spent fuel requires utilities to pay fees into the Nuclear Waste Fund sufficient to cover the costs associated with disposal activities for spent fuel. In compliance with a Nov. 2013 court ruling, the fee was adjusted to zero and payment of fees by utilities was suspended in May 2014.
Onsite and away from reactors wet and dry interim storage (commercial and government property).
NRC completed a rulemaking on Continued Storage of Spent Fuel and prepared a supporting Environmental Impact Statement.
Acceptance of foreign and domestic research reactor fuel.
A license application was filed by DOE with the NRC in 2008 for a deep geologic repository, but adjudicatory proceedings before the NRC in which the application has been challenged have been suspended.
Congress has directed DOE to develop a Federal interim storage capability following a consent-based approach.
Two consolidated interim storage facility applications were submitted by industry to the NRC. The NRC issued a license for one of these facilities in September 2021.
The other license application remains under NRC review.
Overview Matrix Spent Fuel Funding of Liability
USA Presentation
-Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint 53 53 Overview Matrix Nuclear Fuel Cycle Wastes HLW: Same as shown for Spent Fuel.
Uranium and thorium recovery sites: Near-surface disposal.
All: Producer pays.
Uranium and thorium recovery sites: Long Term Surveillance Fund.
Financial assurance required by license.
HLW: A license application was filed by DOE with the NRC in 2008 for a deep geologic repository, but adjudicatory proceedings before the NRC in which the application has been challenged have been suspended.
Uranium and thorium recovery sites: additional license applications expected.
HLW: Same as shown for Spent Fuel.
Uranium and Thorium recovery sites: Near-surface disposal locally.
Current Practice/Facilities Future Facilities Long-Term Management Policy Funding of Liability
USA Presentation
-Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint 54 54 Defense HLW: Same as shown for Spent Fuel.
Defense TRU Waste:
Disposal at WIPP.
LLW: Near-surface disposal Class A, B and C; Greater-Than-Class C (GTCC) LLW disposal path to be determined.
All: Producer pays.
Defense HLW and TRU waste: Public funds.
LLW: Licensees required to demonstrate financial qualifications.
Defense HLW:
Interim storage.
Defense TRU Waste:
Disposal at WIPP.
LLW: 4 commercial sites plus multiple government (DOE) facilities.
Storage of GTCC LLW pending disposal availability.
Defense HLW Disposal:
Same as for Nuclear Fuel Cycle HLW on prior slide.
Additional Defense HLW Treatment Facilities.
GTCC LLW final EIS completed; DOE sent report to Congress and awaits Congressional action prior to implementation of a Record of Decision for GTCC LLW disposal. NRC proceeding with rulemaking to propose requirements for near-surface disposal of GTCC LLW and other regulatory improvements to 10 CFR Part 61.
Overview Matrix Non-Nuclear Fuel Cycle Wastes Current Practice/Facilities Future Facilities Long-Term Management Policy Funding of Liability
USA Presentation
-Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint 55 55 NPPs: Decontamination &
Decommissioning (D&D) to be completed within 60 years.
Defense, uranium and thorium recovery and other sites: Based on risk.
NPPs: D&D fund required by law.
Non-Legacy Sites:
Producer pays.
Defense sites: Public funds for defense liabilities.
Large number of facilities undergoing decommissioning/
remediation.
Large number of facilities planned for decommissioning/
remediation.
Overview Matrix Decommissioning Liabilities Current Practice/Facilities Future Facilities Long-Term Management Policy Funding of Liability
USA Presentation
-Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint 56 56 Return to manufacturers and distributors. Disposal, reuse or recycle.
Licensee, or Government, if disposed by government in support of public health, safety, or national security.
Disposal at commercial disposal sites and government sites.
Storage of sources onsite by licensees pending disposal.
Offsite Source Recovery Program.
Source Collection and Threat Reduction Program.
GTCC LLW disposal EIS and report to Congress completed; by law, DOE must await Congressional action prior to implementation.
NRC proceeding with rulemaking to propose requirements for near-surface disposal of GTCC LLW and other regulatory improvements to 10 CFR Part 61.
Overview Matrix Disused Sealed Sources Current Practice/Facilities Future Facilities Long-Term Management Policy Funding of Liability
Relevant Overarching Issues agreed at the 7th Review Meeting Competence and staffing linked to timetable for spent fuel and radioactive waste management programs Inclusive public engagement on radioactive waste management and on spent fuel management programs Aging management of packages and facilities for radioactive waste and spent fuel, considering extended storage periods Long-term management of disused sealed sources, including sustainable options for regional, as well as multinational solutions 57 USA Presentation - Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint Convention - March 2025