Warren, S. (2011). Environmental aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle : reactor and reprocessing technology [Master Thesis, Technische Universität Wien]. reposiTUm. https://resolver.obvsg.at/urn:nbn:at:at-ubtuw:1-58153
Commercial nuclear generation is often associated with radioactive gaseous releases, although the impact of the nuclear fuel cycle extends well beyond this into areas such as tailings in the mining phase to high-level waste management in the reprocessing phase. These problems may be alleviated or compounded with changes in the reactor and reprocessing technology. The SFR and MSFR are projected to alleviate these products by altering the structure of the fuel cycle to require less natural uranium input and generate fewer amounts of waste to be ultimately stored in the form of non-recyclable actinides and fission products. The VHTR and SCWR on the other hand accomplish provide a form of environmental protection via passive safety features, and the VHTR may also be designed in the future to promote GHG-free energy generation by coupling to a hydrogen production facility. Reprocessing technology is coordinated in tandem with reactors and involves aqueous forms in the current closed fuel cycle and the possibility pyroprocessing in an advanced closed cycle, reducing liquid waste and providing proliferation-resistant group recovery in association with fast reactors.