Nuclear waste is reusable. Why aren’t we doing it?

Summary

The video explores nuclear waste recycling with a focus on France's advanced process, converting 96% of spent fuel into reusable material. Despite the potential, few countries recycle due to high costs and proliferation risks. France's strategy ensures energy sovereignty, but the future of nuclear recycling remains uncertain.

Takeaways

• 🚧 Over 90% of energy remains in nuclear fuel rods after they are discarded, indicating a significant waste of potential energy.
• 🌐 Up to 96% of spent nuclear fuel is recyclable, yet only a few countries are actively reusing nuclear waste.
• 🇫🇷 France is a global leader in nuclear recycling, processing both domestic and international spent nuclear fuel.
• 🔄 The nuclear recycling process involves four main steps: disassembly, separation, cooling, and vitrification.
• 🛡️ France's nuclear recycling plant is vast and secure, with 24,000 rooms and stringent safety measures in place.
• 💡 Recycling nuclear waste not only conserves resources but also reduces the volume of high-level radioactive waste.
• 💸 The cost of recycling nuclear waste is a significant barrier, as it is currently more expensive than using fresh uranium.
• 🔒 Plutonium, a byproduct of recycling, is a valuable energy source but also a potential risk for nuclear weapons proliferation.
• 🔬 Other countries like Russia, India, and China are exploring nuclear recycling, but face similar challenges of cost and technology.
• 🌱 New recycling technologies, such as pyroprocessing, are in development but are not yet commercially viable.

Q & A

What percentage of energy is still left in nuclear fuel rods when they are discarded?

There is still over 90 percent of the energy left in the nuclear fuel rods when they are thrown out.

What is the percentage of spent nuclear fuel that is recyclable?

Up to 96 percent of spent nuclear fuel is recyclable.

Why does France recycle nuclear waste?

France recycles nuclear waste as a strategic way to maintain energy sovereignty and reduce dependence on mined uranium.

How much of France's electricity comes from nuclear plants?

About two thirds of France's electricity comes from nuclear plants.

How does the process of nuclear fission create electricity?

Nuclear power is created by splitting atoms, which creates heat. This heat boils water to produce steam, which then drives a turbine to generate electricity.

What happens to the fuel rods after they are declared 'spent'?

After being declared 'spent', the fuel rods are cooled in storage pools for five to seven years before being processed further.

What is the purpose of the chemical process in nuclear recycling?

The chemical process in nuclear recycling is used to separate uranium, plutonium, and fission products from the spent fuel rods.

What is MOX fuel and how is it used?

MOX fuel is a mixture of plutonium and uranium that can be used in regular nuclear reactors, allowing operators to use up to 30 percent less fresh uranium.

What is vitrification and why is it used in nuclear recycling?

Vitrification is the process of trapping fission products in glass, making the waste safer and reducing the space needed for storage.

Why is nuclear recycling not more widespread?

Nuclear recycling is not more widespread due to the high costs involved, the complexity of the process, and concerns about nuclear weapons proliferation.

What is the final storage solution for the vitrified nuclear waste in France?

The vitrified nuclear waste is stored in canisters until France completes its final storage site, which is expected to start construction in the coming years.