Proliferation risk in the nuclear fuel cycle

por Dr. Frodo Klaassen (Nuclear Research and Consultacy Group)

miércoles 18 feb. 2009 12:00 → 13:00 Europe/Madrid

Sala Seminarios IFIC (Edf. Institutos de Investigación)

The application of civil nuclear technology entails the risk that nuclear material or knowledge is illegally diverted and used for military purposes. The clandestine spread of nuclear material or knowledge is called proliferation. In a globalising world, where more and more countries are developing nuclear power, the question on how to secure a peaceful use of nuclear technology and prevent proliferation, becomes increasingly more important. Guaranteeing non-proliferation is a common responsibility on various levels; political, economical, technological. On the technological level, there is much discussion on how to organise the nuclear fuel cycle in such a way that the interests of non-proliferation are best secured. In my presentation, I will show how the nuclear fuel cycle, i.e. the chain from mining uranium, via generating electricity from nuclear fission, to ultimate waste disposal, is organised. Further I will illustrate some options to mitigate risks of proliferation in the current and in future, more sustainable nuclear fuel cycles.