Characteristics of commercial spent nuclear fuel: Distributed, diverse, and changing with time

The domestic inventory of discharged commercial spent nuclear fuel (CSNF) has been and continues to be managed safely and securely. Maintaining a strong technical basis for the safe and secure storage, transportation, and disposition of CSNF is essential for the long-term sustainability of nuclear power generation in the US. Regardless of the various long-term strategy options, it is reasonable to expect that some portion of CSNF inventory will remain in storage for decades, followed by transportation to either an interim storage facility or a geologic repository, and subsequent acceptance and handling for ultimate disposal. CSNF assemblies vary in their design and discharge conditions and are composed of a range of actinides and fission products that can have a significant impact on the heat, activity, and reactivity of the assemblies. The diversity of types, characteristics, storage locations, and storage conditions of the current inventory of CSNF presents a variety of challenges that influence the approach to managing its safety, security, and cost, as well as disposition options.