Kärnbränslecykel

Kärnbränslecykel, often translated as the nuclear fuel cycle, refers to the series of steps involved in the production of nuclear power and the management of nuclear waste. It begins with the mining and milling of uranium ore, which is then converted into uranium hexafluoride and enriched to increase the concentration of the fissile isotope U-235. This enriched uranium is then fabricated into fuel pellets, which are assembled into fuel rods and subsequently into fuel assemblies for use in nuclear reactors.

During reactor operation, nuclear fission occurs, generating heat that is used to produce electricity. As the fuel is consumed, its fissile material content decreases, and it becomes spent nuclear fuel. Spent fuel still contains valuable fissile isotopes like plutonium, as well as highly radioactive fission products.

The back end of the fuel cycle deals with the management of spent nuclear fuel. Options include direct disposal in deep geological repositories, or reprocessing to extract usable fissile materials for reuse in new fuel. Reprocessing can reduce the volume and radiotoxicity of waste intended for disposal but also creates its own waste streams and raises concerns about nuclear proliferation due to the separation of plutonium. The entire fuel cycle, from mining to waste management, is subject to stringent international regulations and safety protocols to ensure the secure and responsible handling of nuclear materials.