Spent Nuclear Fuel Management

Spent nuclear fuel management involves safely handling and storing used nuclear fuel after it has been used in a reactor. This fuel remains highly radioactive and generates heat, requiring careful cooling and containment. Typically, it is stored in specially designed pools or dry casks at reactor sites to ensure safety and security. Over the long term, plans may include storage in deep geological repositories for permanent disposal or recycling to recover usable materials. Effective management minimizes environmental and health risks, ensuring the fuel’s radioactivity diminishes over time while protecting people and ecosystems.