A “Nonproliferating” Nuclear Fuel for Light Water Reactors

A “nonproliferating” fuel for light water reactors is proposed. The nonproliferating aspects of the fuel are obtained by increasing the ²³⁸Pu/Pu ratio to 5% and above. This limit is maintained during the entire fuel cycle and, in particular, at low burnup values. The high value of the ²³⁸Pu/Pu ratio is obtained by introducing ²³⁷Np into the fuel. Some waste disposal aspects associated with ²³⁷Np are also discussed.