Preliminary analysis of the possibility of using REMIX fuel in VVER-1200 reactors of the Belarusian NPP

Abstract

The transition from conventional uranium to regenerated fuel, which uses reprocessed spent fuel and enriched natural uranium, improves fuel efficiency and reduces the amount of spent nuclear fuel (SNF). Based on the analysis of published materials concerning mainly the fuel cycles of the VVER-1000 reactor, it was concluded that the most suitable in the conditions of the Republic of Belarus is the use of REMIX fuel. To confirm this conclusion in relation to the VVER-1200 reactors of the Belarusian NPP, computational studies were carried out within the framework of the State program “Scienceintensive technologies and equipment” for 2021–2025, subprogram 3 “Scientific support for the effective and safe operation of the Belarusian nuclear power plant and promising directions for the development of nuclear energy”. The characteristics of a 12-month fuel cycle with multiple recycling (reuse of fuel) according to the REMIX technology with 19.75 % enrichment of added uranium and maintaining the design capacity and duration of the campaign have been obtained. The share of SNF that is not returned to the reactor is 12.8 % (for a cycle with uranium fuel – 100 %); the fraction of waste intended for disposal or long-term storage, respectively, decreases by 8 times, and the specific consumption of natural uranium is reduced from 202 g/(MW·day) for uranium fuel to 159 g/(MW·day) for REMIX fuel. The results obtained can be taken into account when developing a fuel use strategy at the Belarusian NPP.