Benefits of an International Database for UF6 Cylinders

A reasonable expectation regarding the nuclear energy renaissance is that the location of fuel cycle nuclear materials throughout the world will be known. We ask - would an international system for uranium hexafluoride (UF6) cylinders provide the effective assurances expected for international fuel supply and of the international fuel centers? This paper introduces the question and discusses the potential benefits of tracking UF6 cylinders through the development of an international database. The nonproliferation benefits of an international database for UF6 cylinders being used in the fuel cycle include an enhanced capability to reconcile nuclear material imports and exports. Currently, import and export declarations only require the reporting of total “rolled up” quantities of nuclear materials contained in all items – not the quantities of materials in individual items like individual UF6 cylinders. The database could provide supplier countries with more assurance on the location of the UF6 cylinders they export. Additionally, a comprehensive database on all declared cylinders would be a valuable resource in detecting and recognizing undeclared cylinders. The database could potentially be administered by the IAEA and be accessible to authorized countries around the world. During the nuclear renaissance, the general public, as well as the participants will expect transparency and quality information about movement of nuclear fuel cycle nuclear materials. We will discuss the potential benefits of such a database for the suppliers, inspectorates, and general public.