Division of Nuclear Power

INPRO

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Collaborative Projects

Implementation Issues for the Use of Nuclear Power in Small Grid Countries (SMALL)

Overall objective

This collaborative project addresses issues faced by countries with electrical grids of limited capacity and stability in particular technology issues and related institutional measures. It investigates the deployment of nuclear power in countries with small grids as well as technical and economical options for managing spent fuel and radioactive waste applicable to the conditions of such countries.

Purpose of the Collaborative Project (specific objectives)

• Review feasible technical and economically sound options of spent fuel management and radioactive waste management available globally and select 3-4 reference options applicable to the conditions of a country with small territory
• For each reference scenario of nuclear power development provide evaluation of key indicators relevant to different Spent Nuclear Fuel (SNF) management and radioactive waste management alternatives with identification of level of uncertainties in the results of evaluation
• Analyze results of assessment and define key challenges for each reference SNF management option. Identify near, medium and long-term institutional measures and technical solutions for each reference management option
• Assess sustainability of safe Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) operation of the Innovative Nuclear System (INS) in a small power grid, e.g. grids of limited capacity and/or stability
• Apply related criteria of the INPRO methodology for assessment of safe and reliable operation of the INS in a country with small grids

Participants

Expected output

A calculation of the spent fuel isotope content as well as some economic considerations are foreseen for 2010 to support national decisions on a strategy of final disposal and spent fuel storage in terms of their volume, cost and type of storage facilities. Based on the findings of the study, a final report will be prepared and issued by the end of 2010.