Overview of International Waste Management Activities in Fusion

The minimization of active waste from the operation and decommissioning of a fusion power plant is a common goal of fusion development programs in Europe and in the US. Approaches differ, according to national regulations, and include reuse and recycling, clearance for non-active disposal or free-release recycling, and shallow land burial. Adopting the minimization of active waste volume as a design requirement leads to a Low Activation Design if properly optimized for materials choices. Power plant studies, both ARIES in the US and the PPCS in Europe, are adopting strategies to meet such requirements. International collaboration, particularly in the frame of an IEA co-operative program, provides benefits in the development of waste management strategies.