Key Issues
Safely Managing Used Nuclear Fuel
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Centralized Off-Site Storage Facility
Until the Yucca Mountain repository is ready to accept used fuel from nuclear power plants, the United States may require some form of centralized interim storage. Interim storage would provide for a more effective and efficient used fuel management system by consolidating the material and streamlining the transportation infrastructure that would be necessary for the eventual movement of the material to a recycling facility or a permanent geologic repository.
In November 2006, DOE awarded grants to 11 locations that will study the possibility of building a GNEP facility at the respective sites. The grant solicitation stated that storage of used reactor fuel for use in these facilities should be included in grant proposals. Thus, an interim storage facility would be located alongside other facilities at the site.
Centralized Off-Site Storage Facility
Until the Yucca Mountain repository is ready to accept used fuel from nuclear power plants, the United States may require some form of centralized interim storage. Interim storage would provide for a more effective and efficient used fuel management system by consolidating the material and streamlining the transportation infrastructure that would be necessary for the eventual movement of the material to a recycling facility or a permanent geologic repository.
In November 2006, DOE awarded grants to 11 locations that will study the possibility of building a GNEP facility at the respective sites. The grant solicitation stated that storage of used reactor fuel for use in these facilities should be included in grant proposals. Thus, an interim storage facility would be located alongside other facilities at the site.
