Handling irradiated RBMK-1000 and VVÉR-1000 fuel during the growth of nuclear power

On-site storage facilities, consisting of ponds with water, for irradiated RBMK-1000 fuel are now close to being filled. To continue operating nuclear power plants with RBMK reactors, it is necessary to select one possible method for handling irradiated fuel. A variant of long-term storage followed by reprocessing is examined and considerations are presented for future use of reprocessed irradiated RBMK and VVER fuel as fuel for an initial load for naturally-safe fast reactor. Important points in handling irradiated RBMK-1000 fuel include economic assessments and requirements for a strategy for development of nuclear power in Russia based on closure of the nuclear fuel cycle with radiation-equivalent burial of wastes and utilization of accumulated plutonium for fast reactors. 3 figures, 2 tables, 8 references.