Abstract

TWALA, V.G.; AUF DER HEYDE, T.; BREDELL, P.J.  and  PRETORIUS, L.. Developing a framework for evaluating spent nuclear fuel management options for South Africa. S. Afr. J. Ind. Eng. [online]. 2008, vol.19, n.2, pp.41-60. ISSN 2224-7890.

The search for consensus on spent fuel management (SFM) strategies in the nuclear industry has become complex, not least in the South African context. This study identifies three SFM options: reprocessing-and-recycling, direct disposal, and indefinite storage. From the contentious issues surrounding the SFM options, a framework for evaluating the options and selecting a preferred SFM option for South Africa is proposed. It consists of evaluation criteria categorised into nine dimensions: technological, safety, environmental, proliferation, security, economic, sociopolitical, ethical, and institutional. The framework's comprehensiveness shows that SFM options have developed to a stage where South Africa can make an informed policy decision on the strategy it wishes to pursue.

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