NUCLEAR FUEL TRANSPORT: THE SPECIAL CASE OF SPENT FUEL TRANSPORT

NUCLEAR FUEL TRANSPORT: THE SPECIAL CASE OF SPENT FUEL TRANSPORT. Nuclear transport constitutes for Cogema an essential activity linking the various components of the fuel cycle. It is thus extremely important for Cogema to have viable transport systems, in terms of safety of course, but also as regards the reliability of the services granted to its customers. The paper deals in particular with spent fuel transports for which, as a result of the development of its reprocessing plants, pa.rticularly that of La Hague, Cogema already has significant means available. The following aspects are presented: (a) industrial aspects (industrial policy, industrial arrangements); (b) technical aspects (qualification of the fuel, technical options adopted, developments presently under consideration); (c) safety aspects; (d) economic aspects (quantities transported, personnel involved, transport equipment and associated facilities).