The Perspective of Creating a Closed Fuel Cycle Based on the Fast Reactors in Ukraine

It is known that the IAEA considers options for a fuel cycle with light water reactors of new generation (LWR); however, the uranium reserves will not last forever, so the input of fast reactors in order to “close” the fuel cycle is currently the best option. Therefore, the preliminary calculations of the approximate cycle took place, and a comparative analysis of cycles using only LWR and the cycle with a gradual replacement of LWR by fast breeder reactors was carried out as well. It is appropriate, because there is a sufficiently large number of spent nuclear fuel now is accumulated in temporary storage, but soon it has to be either converted into fresh fuel or disposed (that is unacceptable in all respects). The main problem of the closed fuel cycle is usage of MOX-fuel, but this type of fuel is elaborated now and will be improved upon.