Lessons learned after 5 years of program successes in Proliferation Resistance Optimization
Reactor conversions, leveraging international experience, and the PRO-X program for research reactors are key aspects of the NNSA's Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation efforts to optimize proliferation resistance and minimize special nuclear materials production pathways.
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National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation (DNN) Proliferation Resistance Optimization in Review: Lessons learned after 5 years of program successes Kyle J. Sallee U.S. Dept. of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration
Reactor Conversion is a Nonproliferation Success Reactor Conversions complete in 33 countries Reactor Conversions occurred, but scope remains in 10 countries Reactor Conversions have not yet occurred in 6 countries Countries that did not have HEU Preserving Mission Capability Updating Safety Bases Enabling Sustainable Fuel Supply 2
Leveraging Our Shared International Experience The global community has: Deployed new fuels developed through collaboration Extended methods & tools for design & analysis Implemented multinational projects for shared advantages 120 Reactors Converted or Verified as Shutdown Prior to Conversion High Flux Reactors >= E14 n/cm2/s 2015 M3 100 Medium Flux Reactors >= E12 n/cm2/s but < E14 n/cm2/s) Low Flux Reactors < E12 n/cm2/s Confirmed Shutdown Before Conversion 80 60 2004 GTRI Response to 9/11 40 U3Si2 and TRIGA FLIP Qualified in 1988 20 0 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 3
The PRO-X Program for Research Reactors Mission The NNSA Proliferation Resistance Optimization (PRO-X) program works to minimize special nuclear materials production and diversion pathways and maximize performance for stated peaceful uses. Program Benefits Contributes to defining and strengthening international norms for the long term Optimizes facilities for experimental capabilities Provides technical support for design review, regulatory review, and licensing and commissioning Enhances performance metrics while minimizing life cycle costs Right-sizes systems to minimize SNM production while reducing foot print and capital costs 4
What is Proliferation Resistance Optimization? Proliferation Resistance Optimization Is: An integrated approach Complimentary to ongoing initiatives in safeguards, security, and safety Intrinsic as opposed to extrinsic Impediment to diversion SAFEGUARDS Verification and monitoring of peaceful uses PROLIFERATION RESISTANCE Impediment to Diversion SECURITY Prevention and detection of theft and sabotage SAFETY Limited risk of accident or exposure 5
Proliferation Resistance Optimization Strategy Key Facility Parameters Mission Performance Requirements Irradiation volume Neutron quality Core and Primary System Design Core flexibility Fuel utilization Fuel Design Fuel fabrication Fuel/Cladding materials selection Fuel geometry Auxiliary Capabilities Hot cell/Glovebox requirements Infrastructure needs/availability Equipment specification Policy Framework Optimized Research Reactor Facility 6
Benefits of PRO-X Core Optimization Increase thermal flux in experimental positions Provide good cycle length/fuel utilization Mission Performance An optimized core would: PRO-X Optimization Proliferation Resistance Reduce SNM production potential Assure shutdown margin Provide thermal margins Safety 7
Benefits of PRO-X Fuel Optimization Reduce fuel scrap production Reduce operational costs Increase throughput Mission Performance Reduce access to fuel material Reduce diversion opportunities Increase difficulty of converting spent fuel Increase detectability of reactor misuse Fuel Design and Fabrication Optimization would: PRO-X Optimization Proliferation Resistance Reduce worker exposure to dose Reduce hazards through automation Safety 8
Benefits of PRO-X Auxiliary Capabilities Optimization Increased civilian reactor isotope production Increase reactor R&D for irradiated materials Mission Performance Optimized Research Reactor Support Facilities: PRO-X Optimization Proliferation Resistance Reduce diversion opportunities Target Processing Hot Cells QC Labs Packaging Shipping Right-sized to reduce worker exposure Right-sized for industrial safety/hygiene Safety 9
Value Proposition of the PRO-X Approach Will enable: RR operator to implement an optimized new build system with lower life cycle cost and/or lower capital cost RR Operator Partners & IAEA The development of Proliferation Resistance Norms for the RR community/industry, through our partners and the IAEA RR Vendors RR operators and designers/vendors to set new standards in nonproliferation, performance and operating costs for the next generation of reactors PRO-X Value Proposition 10
Program Implementation Strategy & Roadmap IAEA Milestone 1 Ready to make a knowledgeable commitment to a Research IAEA Milestone 3 Ready to commission and operate the research reactor IAEA Milestone 2 Ready to invite bids for a Research Reactor Reactor Project Phase 2 Project Formulation Phase 4 Operations Phase 1 Pre-Project Phase 3 Implementation Partner Activities Training and Operations Continuous development of infrastructure elements, Ongoing research reactor utilization assessment, and fuel cycle assessment Partner Activities Implementation of Research Reactor project Construction activities Partner Activities Begins RFI/RFP process Identifies funding/financing streams Chooses vendor Finalized design specifications Partner Activities Research Reactor justification Pre-project Assessment PRO-X Cooperation Facilitates mission scope definition with partner/stakeholders Promotes early discussions with the IAEA for early-on guidance on the Milestones Approach Develops functions and requirements with partner/stakeholders to feed RFI development Threat Reduction Achieved through Optimized Design Threat Reduction Identified through Optimization Construction Complete Vendor Selection PRO-X Cooperation Supports design team on optimization of core and aux facilities Provides technical support for design review, regulatory review, and licensing and commissioning PRO-X Cooperation Guides partner through RFI process Capacity/Competency development Identifies areas with the fuel, core, and aux areas of the facility for optimization PRO-X Cooperation Partnership continues with periodic evaluations if needed on additional areas of optimization throughout lifecycle 11 1-4 years Operations 3-4 years
Summary and Path Forward with PRO-X PRO-X works to minimize special nuclear material production and diversion pathways, and maximize performance for stated peaceful uses. PRO-X Success = Increased Performance + Increased Proliferation Resistance + Maintain Safety Program provides technical support throughout design, regulatory review, licensing, and commissioning PRO-X work is complementary to ongoing efforts in safeguards, security, safety, and the IAEA Milestones Approach Provide value to the RR operator, RR community/industry, and RR designers and vendors Upcoming release of the IAEA TecDoc "Proliferation Resistance in Research Reactors" 12
National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation (DNN) Thank you!
