Technology readiness levels for partitioning and transmutation of minor actinides in Japan

Minato, Kazuo ; Morita, Yasuji  ; Tsujimoto, Kazufumi ; Koyama, Shinichi  ; Kurata, Masaki* ; Inoue, Tadashi*; Ikeda, Kazumi*

In order to provide a quantitative assessment for the maturity of the partitioning and transmutation technology relative to its full-scale deployment, a technology readiness level (TRL) process was used. The definitions of TRL used in this study were based on those used in the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership (GNEP). The TRL was evaluated and the technology pathway was discussed for the systems of FBR and ADS for the minor actinides (MA) transmutation, MA partitioning processes, and MA-bearing fuels. Through the evaluation, it was recognized that hard requirements to be satisfied were present at TRL 5 for each technology development. The introduction of lab-scale tests with actual spent fuel for MA partitioning process and with actual separated materials for MA-bearing fuels fabrication and irradiation before the engineering scale tests may be effective and efficient solution.