Underpinning of JRP Waste Processes and JRP Waste Disposability Study

The following outlines a study to underpin the most suitable strategy and processes for wastes arising from the Jet Repurposing Programme (JRP). The JRP is the programme run by UKAEA to repurpose components from the JET fusion reactor system and the associated peripheral infrastructure / affiliate plants.

The main goal of the programme is to deviate from a baseline of disposing of JET materials as ILW material, and instead using novel techniques to convert and treat wastes to LLW for disposal. There has been, and continues to be, significant work researching these waste treatment options, the likely forms and amounts of waste and the likely disposal options for wastes.

In addition to this main body of work, there is an additional task to form an understanding of the disposability of all JRP wastes (not just ILW) to LLWR. The wastes arising from fusion systems deviate significantly from those of other nuclear sites, and hence there is uncertainty in the disposal options for such a large volume of predominantly novel radioactive wastes.

The second phase of work required is a study of the disposal options for wastes from JRP activities as LLW to LLWR. The LLWR Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC) are complex and the appropriate and efficient disposal of JRP wastes hinges on the meeting of this WAC. The wastes arising from JRP activities are of various form, composition and have distinct radiological and chemical properties compared to much of the waste commonly accepted by LLWR.

It is required that the output of this task is the formation of a summary report which covers the above points and identifies the key disposability options for some of the waste which may not be suitable for LLWR. There is also the requirement for a table summarising the wastes which may not be destined for LLWR, the potential alternative disposal route, and key properties of the wastes which define the chosen disposal option. It is required that the task can identify additional opportunities to dispose of or further treat / reuse JRP wastes which preclude disposal at LLWR.