........ published in NEWSLETTER # 53
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........ published in NEWSLETTER # 53
MANAGING THE PLUTONIUM SURPLUS: APPLICATIONS AND TECHNICAL OPTIONS
by Dr. M. Grubb, The Royal Institute of International Affairs, London (U.K.)
The surplus of plutonium in the world is both an important security issue, and a fact with implications for nuclear energy and environmental policy internationally. The two perspectives are inextricably intertwined in considering options for dealing with the plutonium surplus, and a variety of technical options are now being considered which could help to address both issues.
This volume (NATO ASI SERIES1_1) published in the Partnership Sub_Series, brings together papers on the status and development of the various technologies and the wider security and energy background to the plutonium surplus. The papers were presented at a meeting hosted by London's Royal Institute of International Affairs, and coordinated by Dr. Richard Garwin of the IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Centre. Edited by Dr. Garwin and senior staff at RIIA's Energy and Environment, and International Security Programmes, the volume presents a unique collection of information and analysis of the technical options for dealing with crucial issues at the interface of nuclear energy and security.
The proceedings are organised along the themes of the workshop. The papers for sessions 1 and 2 establish the essential technical background, in terms of the characteristics of, and amount and location of different forms of plutonium. Papers for session 3 summarise the recent NAS study on the options for dealing with plutonium, and examine more fully the options for direct disposal. Session 4 then presents experience and prospects for the use of plutonium in present light water reactors, contrasting with the longer term issues and options for energy production as set out in session 5. Session 6 looks at the options for burning up long_lived actinides and fission products, whilst session 7 addresses more broadly the environmental aspects of the plutonium surplus and other nuclear legacies. The final
session injects aspects of costs of the transport and safeguard regimes as a possible element constraining policies on plutonium.
Reference books: 1_1