RECYCLE AND REUSE IN THE NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE

This paper discusses the various aspects of reprocessing from the perspective of British Nuclear Fuels, which has performed fuel services including reprocessing for the commercial nuclear industry worldwide for over 40 years. In order to properly evaluate the value of reprocessing to the nuclear fuel cycle, one must consider a number of factors, including: (1) a comparison of the economics of recycle vs a once-through fuel cycle, (2) the \"added-value\" benefits of recycle, (3) the concerns and criticisms raised with respect to recycle/reuse, (4) the contribution of recycle to energy conservation in a global economy, and finally (5) the contibution that recycle technology can make to the challenge of disposition of excess weapons plutonium.