Status and Advances in Mox Fuel Technology

This report gives an overview of the worldwide state of plutonium fuel development with an outline of future trends. The review was prepared by a group of experts in the field, under the chairmanship of H. Bairiot, and supported by information from specialists in plutonium fuel developments and related subjects that the IAEA engaged. Information on the present status of, and development trends in, MOX fuel technology in the areas of design, fabrication, performance, in-core fuel management, transportation, spent MOX fuel management, decommissioning, waste treatment, safeguards and alternative approaches for plutonium recycling is provided. The report concentrates on MOX fuel for thermal power reactors; however, specific aspects of fast reactor MOX fuel arc also considered.