Parametric survey on possible impact of partitioning and transmutation of high-level radioactive waste

Oigawa, Hiroyuki ; Yokoo, Takeshi*; Nishihara, Kenji  ; Morita, Yasuji  ; Ikeda, Takao*; Takaki, Naoyuki*

The benefit of implementing Partitioning and Transmutation (P&T) of high-level wastes was parametrically surveyed. The possible reduction of the geological repository area was estimated. By recycling minor actinides (MA), the repository area required for unit spent fuel was reduced significantly in the case of MOX-LWR. This effect was caused by removal of Am which is a long-term heat source. By partitioning the fission products, in addition to MA recycling, further 70-80% reduction from the MA-recovery case can be expected for both UO and MOX. This significant reduction was independent of the cooling time before the partitioning process.