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US-DPRK Next Steps Workshop January 27, 2003 Washington, D.C. Yongbyon Spent Fuel Experience Presented by Mark Mohr Mark.mohr@hq.doe.gov. Background. Under the Agreed Framework, signed between U.S. and DPRK in 1994, U.S. agreed to arrange for DPRK to receive two light-
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US-DPRK Next Steps WorkshopJanuary 27, 2003 Washington, D.C. Yongbyon Spent Fuel Experience Presented by Mark Mohr Mark.mohr@hq.doe.gov
Background • Under the Agreed Framework, signed between U.S. and DPRK • in 1994, U.S. agreed to arrange for DPRK to receive two light- • water reactor (LWR) power plants, and 500,000 tons of heavy • fuel oil annually until first LWR came online • In return, DPRK agreed to freeze its graphite-moderated reactors • and related facilities and to dismantle eventually these reactors • and related facilities • U.S. and DPRK also agreed to cooperate in finding a method to • store safely the spent fuel from the 5 MW (e) experimental reactor • during the construction of the LWR project, and to dispose of the • fuel in a safe manner that does not involve reprocessing in DPRK
Basic Data On Reactor And Fuel • Discharged from reactor May-June 1994 time frame • 8,017 fuel rods declared • Contains 25-30 kg Plutonium • Magnesium-zirconium cladding
DOE’s Responsibility • Spent Fuel Canning • Water Treatment • Maintenance
Spent Fuel Canning • Fuel sealed in cans and water removed to restrict • corrosion; argon cover gas with 2% oxygen • Canned fuel allows IAEA to monitor the fuel more easily • Necessary first step in removing fuel from DPRK • Cans minimize further escape of radioactive contaminants
Corners of storage rack to access canisters Storage Rack Seal Plate
Status • All accessible fuel rods and pieces now canned • Leaking canisters being repaired • Spent fuel being maintained until removal • Ultimate disposition of spent fuel yet to be determined
Costs • About $34M to date • Projected at approximately $2M per year for • maintenance until removed from DPRK