1. Developing a Data Base Supporting Very long- term Storage of Spent Nuclear Fuel R E Einziger, Ph.D., E. Benner, and C. Regan Spent Fuel Storage & Transportation Division, US Nuclear Regulatory Commission International Conference on SNF Management from Nuclear Power Reactors May 29 – June 4, 2010 Vienna, Austria

2. 2 Why Very long-term Dry Storage (VLTDS) of SNF Now? –Current stakeholder interest high: Administration announcements, evolving national strategy for SNF, blue ribbon panel –Data base needed to support regulatory guidance for safe, secure VLTDS of SNF

3. 3 NRC Program Goals for VLTDS Streamline the Storage and Transportation Regulatory Process Identify any Issues related to Very Long Term Dry Storage (VLTDS) > 120 years that may require rulemaking or guidance sooner rather than later Determine extent to which HBU related storage phenomena are reflected in regulations

4. 4 Very Long-term Dry Storage Regulatory requirements Technical data and research requirements Collaboration with Domestic and International Stakeholders

5. 5 Potential Regulatory Requirements Potential rulemaking to address short- term and very long-term requirements Possible integration of storage and transport regulations – currently separate Risk informing Reevaluate standards, guidance

6. 6 Supporting Research Gap analysis of potential safety and security Issues Research to develop tools to make regulatory decisions regarding issues identified in the gap analysis Long-term Cask Demonstration to confirm results and provide continued assurance

7. 7 Revaluation of Data Needs In 1997, and 2003, EPRI evaluated information needs and potential sources of information necessary to provide a technical basis for the storage of SNF for 100 years. Documents have shortcomings with respect to the current situation;

8. 8 Potential Technical Issues Condition of fuel, and basket in a sealed canister Degradation conditions that could require repackaging, What are they and when could they be expected to occur. Ageing management requirements Influence of very long term storage on transportability

9. 9 LONG-TERM CASK DEMONSTRATION –Demonstration Program for VLTS of High Burnup fuel (>45GWD/MtU) –Joint program with external stakeholders (EPRI/Industry/DOE) –Success: 1) Confirming staff degradation predictions are correct, 2) Identify new phenomena before all storage casks are affected so regulatory action can be taken.

10. 10 Potential Demonstration Types International cooperation Examination of stored US high burnup fuel Initiate new independent test

11. 11 Issues with Long-term Cask Demonstration Cask procurement Fuel procurement How to transport fuel to demonstration site without changing the characteristics of the fuel Site selection funding

12. 12 Outreach Participation in EPRI Meetings with Industry and DOE Stakeholders Participation in International Committees Public outreach and transparency

13. 13 Summary NRC is prepared to enhance regulatory infrastructure to better support very long term dry storage Three phase research program of gap analysis, laboratory studies and modeling, long-term cask demonstration Industry and Department of Energy support for technical research can help ensure that regulatory solutions are appropriate and efficient Encourage International participation and collaboration