A dynamic multi-criteria analysis of spent-nuclear-fuel alternatives

Abstract

A generalized multiple-objective research and development (R & D) capital budgeting model incorporating production-allocation decisions is developed for the analysis of the spent-nuclear-fuel management problem. The generalized model is decomposed into two subproblems. First is a multiple-objective R&D capital budgeting problem and second is a multiple-objective fuel allocation problem. Goal programming is selected as an appropriate modeling technique for both generic models. The spent-nuclear-fuel-allocation problem is further decomposed into a dynamic program with a goal program at each stage. The objectives are to allocate R&D funds to process or technology development and to allocate spent fuel to certain alternatives so as to minimize the weighted and prioritized vector cost. With regard to the objectives of non-proliferation and non-diversion, occupational and population exposure, uranium resource conservation, and fuel cycle economics. the major conclusion is to use the spent fuel for further energy production, preferably via a combination of extended burnup and recycle alternatives.