DRY STORAGE OF LWR SPENT FUEL IN THE US: A STATUS REPORT

Dry storage is emerging as an important alternative to wet storage for management of LWR fuel. Dry storage is modular, passive, and can be implemented on a relatively short lead time, once it has been licensed. Thus, it is attractive for United States utilities which are nearing the limit of wet storage capacities. Dry storage of irradiated fuel has already been licensed in several countries. In the United States, dry storage concepts, including dry wells, silos (sealed concrete casks) and vaults, have been tested by the Department of Energy (DOE). Actions are also underway, in cooperation with utilities, to conduct additional unlicensed tests on metal storage casks at DOE facilities and to demonstrate licensed dry storage in metal casks and concrete silos at utility sites. It is anticipated that the demonstrations will confirm that there are no technical, barriers that could prevent implementation of dry storage at reactor sites when needed.