Spent Fuel Pools

Spent fuel pools are large, deep bodies of water located at nuclear power plants used to store used nuclear fuel after it has been removed from the reactor. The water cools the spent fuel, which is still highly radioactive and generates heat. It also provides radiation shielding, protecting workers and the environment. Typically, the fuel is stored in these pools for several years to allow for some radioactive decay before it can be transferred to more permanent storage solutions, such as dry cask storage or geological repositories. Proper management of spent fuel is crucial for safety and environmental protection.