In a groundbreaking move towards sustainable nuclear energy solutions, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) earmarked $38 million for twelve projects focused on mitigating the impacts of light-water reactor-used nuclear fuel (UNF) disposal in October 2022. These projects, undertaken by universities, private companies, and national laboratories, aim to pioneer technologies that not only advance UNF recycling but also reduce the volume of high-level waste earmarked for permanent disposal. At the heart of this initiative is a commitment to providing a secure and domestic source of fuel for advanced reactors, aligning with President Biden’s clean energy objectives and the imperative to combat climate change. See below for a list of projects:

• Argonne National Laboratory, situated in Lemont, Illinois, is set to pioneer an exceptionally efficient process converting 97% of used nuclear fuel (UNF) oxide into metal. This innovative approach utilizes stable next-generation anode materials, and the project has been awarded a substantial amount of $4,900,000 to drive this transformative initiative forward.
• Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont, Illinois, is undertaking the comprehensive development, production, and testing of a suite of compact rotating packed bed contactors tailored for the reprocessing of used nuclear fuel. With a notable award of $1,520,000, this initiative underscores the laboratory’s commitment to refining and optimizing methods within the nuclear fuel cycle.
• Washington, D.C.-based Curio is taking strides to develop and demonstrate the laboratory-scale implementation of their UNF recycling process, known as NuCycle. With an impressive award amounting to $5,000,000, this project aligns with broader objectives aimed at advancing sustainable nuclear practices and addressing challenges in used nuclear fuel disposal.
• EPRI, headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, is spearheading the development of a groundbreaking recycling tool intended to tackle the interconnected challenges of nuclear fuel life-cycle management and the supply of fuel for advanced reactors. With an award totaling $2,796,545, EPRI aims to make significant strides in enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of nuclear energy.
• GE Research, located in Niskayuna, New York, has secured a substantial award of $6,449,997 to revolutionize safeguards solutions for aqueous reprocessing facilities. This initiative marks a critical step in ensuring the safety and security of nuclear facilities, underscoring the commitment to advancing technological solutions in the nuclear energy domain.
• Idaho National Laboratory, based in Idaho Falls, Idaho, is set to spearhead the design, fabrication, and testing of anode materials tailored for electrochemically reducing actinide and fission product oxides in UNF. With an award of $2,659,677, the laboratory is positioned to contribute significantly to the development of innovative solutions for the nuclear industry.
• Mainstream Engineering, headquartered in Rockledge, Florida, has been awarded $1,580,774 to develop vacuum swing separation technology. This innovative technology aims to effectively separate and capture volatile radionuclides, offering the potential to reduce life cycle capital and operating costs while minimizing waste storage requirements.
• NuVision Engineering, based in Mooresville, North Carolina, has secured funding totaling $4,715,163 to design, build, and commission an integrated material accountancy test platform. This platform is envisioned to predict post-process nuclear material accountancy within a remarkable 1% uncertainty in an aqueous reprocessing facility.
• The University of Alabama at Birmingham is at the forefront of developing a single-step process for UNF recycling. With an award of $1,844,998, the university’s initiative focuses on recovering the bulk of uranium and other transuranics from UNF after dissolution in nitric acid, contributing to more sustainable nuclear practices.
• The University of Colorado, Boulder, has been awarded $1,994,663 to advance technology capable of high-accuracy, substantially faster measurements of complex UNF mixtures. This initiative aligns with the broader goal of enhancing efficiency in UNF processing and analysis.
• The University of North Texas, based in Denton, Texas, has secured funding totaling $2,711,342 to develop a self-powered, wireless sensor. This sensor is designed for long-term, real-time monitoring of high-temperature molten salt density and level, enabling accurate safeguarding and monitoring of electrochemical processing of UNF.
• The University of Utah, situated in Salt Lake City, has been awarded $1,454,074 to pioneer a pyrochemical process for efficiently converting UNF into a fuel feedstock suitable for sodium-cooled fast reactors or molten-salt-fueled reactors. This initiative holds promise for advancing sustainable fuel options in the realm of nuclear energy.

Significance of UNF Recycling

Nuclear energy, a cornerstone of America’s electricity generation, contributes nearly a fifth of the nation’s power and stands as a pivotal player in domestic clean energy initiatives. The focal point of this initiative is the utilization of used nuclear fuel, often known as spent nuclear fuel, generated during the nuclear energy production process. The clean energy potential locked within this fuel could power more than 70 million homes. The DOE’s initiative seeks to unlock this potential through innovative recycling methods, not only minimizing environmental impact but also driving economic stability in communities dedicated to advancing nuclear technology.

DOE’s Vision and Recognition

Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm emphasized the administration’s acknowledgment of the vital role that practical uses for used nuclear fuel play in the nation’s clean energy landscape. The Biden-Harris Administration recognizes the potential of recycling nuclear waste to significantly reduce the accumulation of spent fuel at nuclear sites. Moreover, this initiative aligns with the broader strategy of enhancing economic stability in communities spearheading the clean energy revolution. The DOE’s commitment underscores the strategic importance of harnessing safe, reliable clean energy while addressing climate change and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Understanding UNF Lifecycle

As discharged UNF emerges from nuclear reactors, it undergoes initial storage in steel-lined concrete pools surrounded by water. Subsequently, it is transferred to dry storage casks equipped with protective shielding. Over 70 reactor sites across the country securely store the majority of the nation’s used fuel. The Converting UNF Radioisotopes Into Energy (CURIE) program, funded by the DOE, will revolutionize the recycling of UNF. Its goals include substantially reducing the volume, heat load, and radiotoxicity of waste earmarked for permanent disposal. Simultaneously, the initiative aims to provide an enduring and sustainable fuel supply for advanced reactors, a critical step in advancing the nation’s nuclear capabilities.

CURIE Program and Objectives

The CURIE program, spearheaded by DOE’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), has strategically selected teams to develop separation technologies featuring improved proliferation resistance and safeguards technologies for fuel recycling facilities. System design studies will also be conducted to bolster fuel recycling endeavors. By focusing on secure, economical recycling of the nation’s UNF, the CURIE program heralds a new era in nuclear innovation, ensuring the longevity and resilience of nuclear energy as a clean and sustainable power source.

Conclusion

The DOE’s investment of $38 million in UNF projects marks a pivotal moment in the trajectory of nuclear energy in the United States. Beyond addressing environmental concerns related to UNF disposal, the initiative positions the nation at the forefront of advanced reactor technology. As these projects unfold, the synergy between government support, private sector innovation, and academic expertise promises to usher in a new era of clean and sustainable nuclear energy, echoing the Biden administration’s commitment to a greener and more resilient energy future.