High Burnup Research Cask Project

Today, more than 95,000 metric tons of spent nuclear fuel are stored across 79 sites in over 30 states. By the time current reactors reach the end of their operational life, that number could rise to around 180,000 metric tons.

To support the long-term safety and security of this material, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) teamed up with the Electric Power Research Institute to lead a multi-year research project focused on “high burnup” spent nuclear fuel that remains in reactors longer to maximize energy output.

At the heart of this effort is DOE’s High Burnup Research Cask, which was loaded with high burnup spent nuclear fuel generated by the North Anna Power Station in Virginia and placed in dry storage on site in 2017.

The lid of the cask was modified with instrumentation that allow researchers to monitor internal temperatures over time at 63 different locations inside the cask.

The data gathered from this project will be shared with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and nuclear plant operators to help inform regulatory decisions about extending dry storage licenses beyond the typical 40-year period.

Learn more: https://www.energy.gov/ne/articles/inside-one-nations-biggest-research-projects-spent-nuclear-fuel