The Second-Generation Fissile Materials in the Nuclear Power Industry

Abstract

The paper shows that the use of ²³²Th as a fertile isotope instead of ²³⁸U and the main fissile isotope ²³³U instead of ²³⁹Pu, the use of heavy water instead of light water as a coolant, and its dilution with light water during the VVER-type reactor run ensure the fuel self-sufficiency in active isotopes, particularly upon achievement of the equilibrium actinide isotope ratio. In addition, this approach improves the reactor safety and provides a technological barrier against the proliferation of fissile material. The effective recycling of highly enriched uranium (HEU) takes place at the stage of reaching the closed thorium–uranium–plutonium fuel cycle with deep transmutation of actinides by fission reaction and their removal from the radioactive waste.