Use of Weapons-Grade Plutonium in Existing PWRs - Supported by German MOX Recycling Experience

It is proposed that weapons-grade Pu recovered under the strategic arms reduction agreement be used in existing light water reactors under the current safety and licensing criteria. Based on experience with the commercial use of mixed-oxide (MOX) fuel in German pressurized water reactors, MOX fuel assemblies containing weapons-grade Pu have been designed. The related fuel management studies are presented. The possibility of using corresponding hexagonal MOX fuel assemblies in Russian-type VVER 1000 reactors is also discussed. In addition, the use of weapons-grade Pu in modern boiling water reactors is addressed. It can be stated that safe normal operation and benign accident behavior are achievable.