New Life for Used Nuclear Fuel

[Marlin]

New Life for Used Nuclear Fuel

https://www.pnnl.gov/news-media/new-life-used-nuclear-fuel

[Core Content]

Amanda Lines

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory researchers are developing AI-assisted technologies to recycle used nuclear fuel. The project aims to recover over 90 percent of the energy potential remaining in spent fuel. This initiative, supported by the Department of Energy, seeks to optimize waste management and support future advanced reactor designs.

Closing the nuclear fuel cycle remains a complex challenge involving chemical processing, material science, and nonproliferation safeguards. By integrating artificial intelligence into fuel cycle modeling, researchers intend to balance economic viability with security requirements. These efforts could eventually shift the domestic nuclear strategy from a once-through cycle toward a more sustainable, resource-efficient model.

PNNL researchers are advancing AI-assisted nuclear fuel recycling to tap more than 90% of the energy potential left in used fuel, reduce waste and support secure, cost-effective next-generation reactors.

PNNL is exploring the untapped potential of used nuclear fuel to produce optimized waste forms and strengthen the nation's energy security

PNNL chemist Amanda Lines is an expert in nuclear fuel processes and monitoring technologies.

(Photo by Andrea Starr | Pacific Northwest National Laboratory)

Read the full article at PNNL:
https://www.pnnl.gov/news-media/new-life-used-nuclear-fuel