Nuclear fuel cycle - Revision history

Jmdonev: 1 revision imported

2026-07-02T20:55:31Z

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energy>Jmdonev at 02:05, 30 June 2026

2026-06-30T02:05:52Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:05, 30 June 2026
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	[[Category:Done ~~2017~~-07-01]]		[[Category:Done 2026-07-01]]
	<onlyinclude>The '''Nuclear fuel cycle''' is the series of industrial processes that describe [[uranium]] throughout its [[life cycle]]; from [[uranium mining\|mining]] to [[uranium enrichment\|processing]] to [[nuclear reactor\|generating electricity]] and finally to its [[uranium reprocessing\|reprocessing]] and [[nuclear waste\|waste]].</onlyinclude><ref name=wna>World Nuclear Association. (June 17 2015). ''Nuclear Fuel Cycle Overview'' [Online], Available: http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/Nuclear-Fuel-Cycle/Introduction/Nuclear-Fuel-Cycle-Overview/</ref> Essentially all activities involved with nuclear power from its beginning to end are considered to be part of the nuclear fuel cycle.		<onlyinclude>The '''Nuclear fuel cycle''' is the series of industrial processes that describe [[uranium]] throughout its [[life cycle]]; from [[uranium mining\|mining]] to [[uranium enrichment\|processing]] to [[nuclear reactor\|generating electricity]] and finally to its [[uranium reprocessing\|reprocessing]] and [[nuclear waste\|waste]].</onlyinclude><ref name=wna>World Nuclear Association. (June 17 2015). ''Nuclear Fuel Cycle Overview'' [Online], Available: http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/Nuclear-Fuel-Cycle/Introduction/Nuclear-Fuel-Cycle-Overview/</ref> Essentially all activities involved with nuclear power from its beginning to end are considered to be part of the nuclear fuel cycle.

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	Some of the <sup>238</sup>U also gets used for power generation, however it needs to be converted to [[plutonium]] first. This happens naturally in a reactor, as the <sup>238</sup>U absorbs a neutron, then [[beta decay\|beta minus decay]]s twice up to <sup>239</sup>Pu.<ref>Hyperphysics. (June 18 2015). ''Fast Breeder Reactors'' [Online], Available: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/nucene/fasbre.html</ref> The plutonium then decays through the <sup>235</sup>U decay chain, and accounts for about 1/3 of the power output of the plant.<ref name=wna/>		Some of the <sup>238</sup>U also gets used for power generation, however it needs to be converted to [[plutonium]] first. This happens naturally in a reactor, as the <sup>238</sup>U absorbs a neutron, then [[beta decay\|beta minus decay]]s twice up to <sup>239</sup>Pu.<ref>Hyperphysics. (June 18 2015). ''Fast Breeder Reactors'' [Online], Available: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/nucene/fasbre.html</ref> The plutonium then decays through the <sup>235</sup>U decay chain, and accounts for about 1/3 of the power output of the plant.<ref name=wna/>

	Typically 44 [[terawatt-hour\|TWh]] are produced per tonne of natural uranium. In comparison, 20 000 tonnes of [[coal]] or 8.5 million cubic meters of [[gas]] would be needed to match this.<Ref name=wna/><ref name=doe/>		Typically 44 [[terawatt-hour\|TWh]] are produced per tonne of natural uranium. In comparison, 20 000 tonnes of [[coal]] or 8.5 million cubic meters of [[natural gas]] would be needed to match this.<Ref name=wna/><ref name=doe/>

	[[File:BoilingWaterReactor.gif\|200px\|framed\|center\|Figure 3. A boiling water nuclear reactor, which is an external combustion engine.<ref>U.S. NRC. (June 18 2015). Available: http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/basic-ref/students/animated-bwr.html</ref>]]		[[File:BoilingWaterReactor.gif\|200px\|framed\|center\|Figure 3. A boiling water nuclear reactor, which is an external combustion engine.<ref>U.S. NRC. (June 18 2015). Available: http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/basic-ref/students/animated-bwr.html</ref>]]
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	The unusable waste produced throughout the nuclear fuel cycle, including low-level waste from all stages of the cycle, intermediate waste from the reactor, and high-level waste separated in the reprocessing.<ref name=wna/> The waste can be incorporated into a solid material, with a year's waste from a 1000 [[MWe]] reactor producing about 5 tonnes.<ref name=wna/>		The unusable waste produced throughout the nuclear fuel cycle, including low-level waste from all stages of the cycle, intermediate waste from the reactor, and high-level waste separated in the reprocessing.<ref name=wna/> The waste can be incorporated into a solid material, with a year's waste from a 1000 [[MWe]] reactor producing about 5 tonnes.<ref name=wna/>

	At the present time there are no disposal facilities for this material, only storage facilities. This is because there is no immediate need to rid of it since it doesn't occupy much space, and also because it could still potentially be reprocessed at a later date.<ref name=wna/>		At the present time there are no disposal facilities for this material, only storage facilities. This is because there is no immediate need to rid of it since it doesn't occupy much space, and also because it could still potentially be reprocessed at a later date.<ref name=wna/>

			Deep geological repositories (DGRs) are the future of nuclear waste. These are holes dug hundreds of meters down, in stable rock which can contain the highly radioactive material. To read more about Canada's plan for a DGR, visit the Nuclear Waste Management Organization website [https://www.nwmo.ca/canadas-plan/canadas-deep-geological-repository here.]

			== For Further Reading ==

			* [[Yellowcake]]
			* [[Nuclear reactor]]
			* [[Uranium enrichment]]
			* [[CANDU reactor]]
			* Or explore a [[Special:Random\|random page]]

	==References==		==References==
	{{reflist}}		{{reflist}}
	[[Category:Uploaded]]		[[Category:Uploaded]]

Jmdonev: 1 revision imported

2017-08-29T01:46:46Z

1 revision imported

← Older revision	Revision as of 01:46, 29 August 2017
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Jmdonev at 19:07, 15 August 2017

2017-08-15T19:07:34Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:07, 15 August 2017
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	[[Category:Done ~~2016~~-04-30]]		[[Category:Done 2017-07-01]]
	<onlyinclude>The '''Nuclear fuel cycle''' is the series of industrial processes that describe [[uranium]] throughout its [[life cycle]]; from [[uranium mining\|mining]] to [[uranium enrichment\|processing]] to [[nuclear reactor\|generating electricity]] and finally to its [[uranium reprocessing\|reprocessing]] and [[nuclear waste\|waste]].</onlyinclude><ref name=wna>World Nuclear Association. (June 17 2015). ''Nuclear Fuel Cycle Overview'' [Online], Available: http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/Nuclear-Fuel-Cycle/Introduction/Nuclear-Fuel-Cycle-Overview/</ref> Essentially all activities involved with nuclear power from its beginning to end are considered to be part of the nuclear fuel cycle.		<onlyinclude>The '''Nuclear fuel cycle''' is the series of industrial processes that describe [[uranium]] throughout its [[life cycle]]; from [[uranium mining\|mining]] to [[uranium enrichment\|processing]] to [[nuclear reactor\|generating electricity]] and finally to its [[uranium reprocessing\|reprocessing]] and [[nuclear waste\|waste]].</onlyinclude><ref name=wna>World Nuclear Association. (June 17 2015). ''Nuclear Fuel Cycle Overview'' [Online], Available: http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/Nuclear-Fuel-Cycle/Introduction/Nuclear-Fuel-Cycle-Overview/</ref> Essentially all activities involved with nuclear power from its beginning to end are considered to be part of the nuclear fuel cycle.

	The cycle is split into two parts; the '''front end''' and the '''back end'''. Front end includes mining, milling, processing, enrichment, and [[fuel fabrication]]. The back end includes the primary goal of the fuel cycle, the generation of [[electricity]], along with temporary storage, reprocessing, recycling, and [[waste]]s.		The cycle is split into two parts; the '''front end''' and the '''back end'''. Front end includes mining, milling, processing, enrichment, and [[nuclear fuel fabrication]]. The back end includes the primary goal of the fuel cycle, the generation of [[electricity]], along with temporary storage, reprocessing, recycling, and [[waste]]s.

	[[File:Nuclear_Fuel_Cycle.png\|1000px\|center\|thumb\|Figure 1. Nuclear fuel cycle.<ref name=wna/>]]		[[File:Nuclear_Fuel_Cycle.png\|1000px\|center\|thumb\|Figure 1. Nuclear fuel cycle.<ref name=wna/>]]
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	Mined uranium ore cannot be used directly to power a [[nuclear reactor]]; it needs to be processed and enriched in order to be used for energy. The ore is first brought to a mill where it is converted into U<sub>3</sub>O<sub>8</sub>, an isolated form of uranium referred to as "[[yellowcake]]". Most power plants cannot use the fuel in this form yet, since the content of the fissile [[isotope]] of <sup>235</sup>U is only about 0.7%.<ref name=wna/> The [[CANDU reactor]] can use the fuel at these concentrations however.		Mined uranium ore cannot be used directly to power a [[nuclear reactor]]; it needs to be processed and enriched in order to be used for energy. The ore is first brought to a mill where it is converted into U<sub>3</sub>O<sub>8</sub>, an isolated form of uranium referred to as "[[yellowcake]]". Most power plants cannot use the fuel in this form yet, since the content of the fissile [[isotope]] of <sup>235</sup>U is only about 0.7%.<ref name=wna/> The [[CANDU reactor]] can use the fuel at these concentrations however.

	To enrich uranium, the goal is to increase the concentration of <sup>235</sup>U in a sample, generally between 3-5%.<ref name=wna/><ref name=doe>Department of Energy. (June 18 2015). ''Nuclear Fuel Cycle'' [Online], Available: http://www.energy.gov/ne/nuclear-fuel-cycle</ref> The main process used to accomplish this is by use of [[~~Gaseous~~ centrifuge\|centrifuges]], which spin extremely fast in order to separate the isotopes from one another, allowing the <sup>235</sup>U to be accessible. Read more about enrichment processes on the main article.		To enrich uranium, the goal is to increase the concentration of <sup>235</sup>U in a sample, generally between 3-5%.<ref name=wna/><ref name=doe>Department of Energy. (June 18 2015). ''Nuclear Fuel Cycle'' [Online], Available: http://www.energy.gov/ne/nuclear-fuel-cycle</ref> The main process used to accomplish this is by use of [[Gas centrifuge\|centrifuges]], which spin extremely fast in order to separate the isotopes from one another, allowing the <sup>235</sup>U to be accessible. Read more about enrichment processes on the main article.

	In order to be used in a power plant, the fuel must be fabricated into pellets. These are formed from pressed UO<sub>2</sub> and baked in a 1400[[Celsius\|<sup>o</sup>C]] oven. These pellets are then packed into fuel rods, which are formed into an assembly for use in a nuclear reactor, seen in Figure 2.		In order to be used in a power plant, the fuel must be fabricated into pellets. These are formed from pressed UO<sub>2</sub> and baked in a 1400[[Celsius\|<sup>o</sup>C]] oven. These pellets are then packed into fuel rods, which are formed into an assembly for use in a nuclear reactor, seen in Figure 2.

Jmdonev: 1 revision imported: From the summer

2016-09-17T22:29:39Z

1 revision imported: From the summer

← Older revision	Revision as of 22:29, 17 September 2016
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Jmdonev at 22:16, 3 August 2016

2016-08-03T22:16:59Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:16, 3 August 2016
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	[[Category:Done ~~2015~~-07-01]]		[[Category:Done 2016-04-30]]
	<onlyinclude>'''Nuclear fuel cycle''' is the series of industrial processes that ~~follow~~ [[uranium]] throughout its [[life cycle]]; from [[uranium mining\|mining]] to [[uranium enrichment\|processing]] to [[nuclear reactor\|generating electricity]] and finally to its [[uranium reprocessing\|reprocessing]] and [[nuclear waste\|waste]].</onlyinclude><ref name=wna>World Nuclear Association. (June 17 2015). ''Nuclear Fuel Cycle Overview'' [Online], Available: http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/Nuclear-Fuel-Cycle/Introduction/Nuclear-Fuel-Cycle-Overview/</ref> Essentially all activities involved with nuclear power from its beginning to end are considered to be part of the nuclear fuel cycle.		<onlyinclude>The '''Nuclear fuel cycle''' is the series of industrial processes that describe [[uranium]] throughout its [[life cycle]]; from [[uranium mining\|mining]] to [[uranium enrichment\|processing]] to [[nuclear reactor\|generating electricity]] and finally to its [[uranium reprocessing\|reprocessing]] and [[nuclear waste\|waste]].</onlyinclude><ref name=wna>World Nuclear Association. (June 17 2015). ''Nuclear Fuel Cycle Overview'' [Online], Available: http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/Nuclear-Fuel-Cycle/Introduction/Nuclear-Fuel-Cycle-Overview/</ref> Essentially all activities involved with nuclear power from its beginning to end are considered to be part of the nuclear fuel cycle.

	The cycle is split into two parts; the '''front end''' and the '''back end'''. Front end includes mining, milling, processing, enrichment, and fuel fabrication. The back end includes the primary goal of the fuel cycle, the generation of [[electricity]], along with temporary storage, reprocessing, recycling, and ~~wastes~~.		The cycle is split into two parts; the '''front end''' and the '''back end'''. Front end includes mining, milling, processing, enrichment, and [[fuel fabrication]]. The back end includes the primary goal of the fuel cycle, the generation of [[electricity]], along with temporary storage, reprocessing, recycling, and [[waste]]s.

	[[File:Nuclear_Fuel_Cycle.png\|~~900px~~\|center\|thumb\|Figure 1. Nuclear fuel cycle.<ref name=wna/>]]		[[File:Nuclear_Fuel_Cycle.png\|1000px\|center\|thumb\|Figure 1. Nuclear fuel cycle.<ref name=wna/>]]

	==Overview==		==Overview==

	~~This~~ section will discuss in brief detail the workings of the uranium nuclear fuel cycle. For more information visit the main article for each, provided below each section title.		Each section will discuss in brief detail the workings of the uranium nuclear fuel cycle. For more information visit the main article for each, provided below each section title.

	===Mining===		===Mining===
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	[[File:Rbmk_fuel_rods_holder.png\|150px\|thumb\|Figure 2. Fuel rod assembly of the [[RBMK]] uranium fuel.<ref>Wikimedia Commons [Online], Available: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rbmk_fuel_rods_holder.png</ref>]]		[[File:Rbmk_fuel_rods_holder.png\|150px\|thumb\|Figure 2. Fuel rod assembly of the [[RBMK]] uranium fuel.<ref>Wikimedia Commons [Online], Available: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rbmk_fuel_rods_holder.png</ref>]]

	Mined uranium ore cannot be used directly to power a [[nuclear reactor]]; it needs to be processed and enriched in order to be used for energy. The ore is first brought to a mill where it is converted into U<sub>3</sub>O<sub>8</sub>, an isolated form of uranium referred to as "~~yellow-cake~~". Most power plants cannot use the fuel in this form yet, since the content of the fissile [[isotope]] of <sup>235</sup>U is only about 0.7%.<ref name=wna/> The [[CANDU reactor]] can use the fuel at these concentrations however.		Mined uranium ore cannot be used directly to power a [[nuclear reactor]]; it needs to be processed and enriched in order to be used for energy. The ore is first brought to a mill where it is converted into U<sub>3</sub>O<sub>8</sub>, an isolated form of uranium referred to as "[[yellowcake]]". Most power plants cannot use the fuel in this form yet, since the content of the fissile [[isotope]] of <sup>235</sup>U is only about 0.7%.<ref name=wna/> The [[CANDU reactor]] can use the fuel at these concentrations however.

	To enrich uranium, the goal is to increase the concentration of <sup>235</sup>U in a sample, generally between 3-5%.<ref name=wna/><ref name=doe>Department of Energy. (June 18 2015). ''Nuclear Fuel Cycle'' [Online], Available: http://www.energy.gov/ne/nuclear-fuel-cycle</ref> The main process used to accomplish this is by use of centrifuges, which spin extremely fast in order to separate the isotopes from one another, allowing the <sup>235</sup>U to be accessible. Read more about enrichment processes on the main article.		To enrich uranium, the goal is to increase the concentration of <sup>235</sup>U in a sample, generally between 3-5%.<ref name=wna/><ref name=doe>Department of Energy. (June 18 2015). ''Nuclear Fuel Cycle'' [Online], Available: http://www.energy.gov/ne/nuclear-fuel-cycle</ref> The main process used to accomplish this is by use of [[Gaseous centrifuge\|centrifuges]], which spin extremely fast in order to separate the isotopes from one another, allowing the <sup>235</sup>U to be accessible. Read more about enrichment processes on the main article.

	In order to be used in a power plant, the fuel must be fabricated into pellets. These are formed from pressed UO<sub>2</sub> and baked in a 1400<sup>o</sup>C oven. These pellets are then packed into fuel rods, which are formed into an assembly for use in a nuclear reactor, seen in Figure 2.		In order to be used in a power plant, the fuel must be fabricated into pellets. These are formed from pressed UO<sub>2</sub> and baked in a 1400[[Celsius\|<sup>o</sup>C]] oven. These pellets are then packed into fuel rods, which are formed into an assembly for use in a nuclear reactor, seen in Figure 2.

	===Power generation===		===Power generation===
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	After time, the amount of usable fuel in the reactor will diminish due to heavy elements and other fission products being produced. After 18-36 months the fuel is removed from the reactor, however there is still potential for energy contained in it, with the amount depending on the type of reactor. This fuel is very hot and radioactive, so it is stored temporarily in a storage pool of water, which cools it and absorbs the radiation.		After time, the amount of usable fuel in the reactor will diminish due to heavy elements and other fission products being produced. After 18-36 months the fuel is removed from the reactor, however there is still potential for energy contained in it, with the amount depending on the type of reactor. This fuel is very hot and radioactive, so it is stored temporarily in a storage pool of water, which cools it and absorbs the radiation.

	The fuel can then be reprocessed since it still has slightly more <sup>235</sup>U than found in nature (if the fuel comes from a [[light water reactor]]). The plutonium can be made into a mixed oxide (MOX) fuel, in which uranium oxide is combined with plutonium oxide.<ref name=wna/> This is done by dissolving the fuel rods in a solution in order to obtain the separate materials.		The fuel can then be reprocessed since it still has slightly more <sup>235</sup>U than found in nature (if the fuel comes from a light water reactor, a [[BWR]] or [[PWR]]). The plutonium can be made into a mixed oxide ([[MOX]]) fuel, in which uranium oxide is combined with plutonium oxide.<ref name=wna/> This is done by dissolving the fuel rods in a solution in order to obtain the separate materials.

	===Waste===		===Waste===
	:''[[Nuclear waste\|main article]]		:''[[Nuclear waste\|main article]]

	The unusable waste produced throughout the nuclear fuel cycle, including low-level waste from all stages of the cycle, intermediate waste from the reactor, and high-level waste separated in the reprocessing.<ref name=wna/> The waste can be incorporated into a solid material, with a year's waste from a 1000 MWe reactor producing about 5 tonnes.<ref name=wna/>		The unusable waste produced throughout the nuclear fuel cycle, including low-level waste from all stages of the cycle, intermediate waste from the reactor, and high-level waste separated in the reprocessing.<ref name=wna/> The waste can be incorporated into a solid material, with a year's waste from a 1000 [[MWe]] reactor producing about 5 tonnes.<ref name=wna/>

	At the present time there are no disposal facilities for this material, only storage facilities. This is because there is no immediate need to rid of it since it doesn't occupy much space, and also because it could still potentially be reprocessed at a later date.<ref name=wna/>		At the present time there are no disposal facilities for this material, only storage facilities. This is because there is no immediate need to rid of it since it doesn't occupy much space, and also because it could still potentially be reprocessed at a later date.<ref name=wna/>

J.williams: 1 revision imported

2015-08-26T21:31:26Z

1 revision imported

← Older revision	Revision as of 21:31, 26 August 2015
(No difference)

J.williams at 16:57, 12 August 2015

2015-08-12T16:57:10Z

New page

[[Category:Done 2015-07-01]]
<onlyinclude>'''Nuclear fuel cycle''' is the series of industrial processes that follow [[uranium]] throughout its [[life cycle]]; from [[uranium mining|mining]] to [[uranium enrichment|processing]] to [[nuclear reactor|generating electricity]] and finally to its [[uranium reprocessing|reprocessing]] and [[nuclear waste|waste]].</onlyinclude><ref name=wna>World Nuclear Association. (June 17 2015). ''Nuclear Fuel Cycle Overview'' [Online], Available: http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/Nuclear-Fuel-Cycle/Introduction/Nuclear-Fuel-Cycle-Overview/</ref> Essentially all activities involved with nuclear power from its beginning to end are considered to be part of the nuclear fuel cycle.

The cycle is split into two parts; the '''front end''' and the '''back end'''. Front end includes mining, milling, processing, enrichment, and fuel fabrication. The back end includes the primary goal of the fuel cycle, the generation of [[electricity]], along with temporary storage, reprocessing, recycling, and wastes.

[[File:Nuclear_Fuel_Cycle.png|900px|center|thumb|Figure 1. Nuclear fuel cycle.<ref name=wna/>]]

==Overview==

This section will discuss in brief detail the workings of the uranium nuclear fuel cycle. For more information visit the main article for each, provided below each section title.

===Mining===
:''[[Uranium mining|main article]]''

Uranium is found relatively commonly in the [[cross section of the Earth|Earth's crust]], it is about 500 times more abundant than gold and about the same abundance as tin.<Ref name=wna/> Many countries have uranium mines, however Canada, Kazakhstan and Australia are the largest producers of uranium. There are many techniques to mine the ore, with underground mining being the most common due to the depths of most mines. In depth videos of these techniques can be seen on the uranium mining page.

===Milling, Enrichment and Fabrication===
:''[[uranium enrichment|main article]]''
[[File:Rbmk_fuel_rods_holder.png|150px|thumb|Figure 2. Fuel rod assembly of the [[RBMK]] uranium fuel.<ref>Wikimedia Commons [Online], Available: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rbmk_fuel_rods_holder.png</ref>]]

Mined uranium ore cannot be used directly to power a [[nuclear reactor]]; it needs to be processed and enriched in order to be used for energy. The ore is first brought to a mill where it is converted into U3O8, an isolated form of uranium referred to as "yellow-cake". Most power plants cannot use the fuel in this form yet, since the content of the fissile [[isotope]] of 235U is only about 0.7%.<ref name=wna/> The [[CANDU reactor]] can use the fuel at these concentrations however.

To enrich uranium, the goal is to increase the concentration of 235U in a sample, generally between 3-5%.<ref name=wna/><ref name=doe>Department of Energy. (June 18 2015). ''Nuclear Fuel Cycle'' [Online], Available: http://www.energy.gov/ne/nuclear-fuel-cycle</ref> The main process used to accomplish this is by use of centrifuges, which spin extremely fast in order to separate the isotopes from one another, allowing the 235U to be accessible. Read more about enrichment processes on the main article.

In order to be used in a power plant, the fuel must be fabricated into pellets. These are formed from pressed UO2 and baked in a 1400oC oven. These pellets are then packed into fuel rods, which are formed into an assembly for use in a nuclear reactor, seen in Figure 2.

===Power generation===
:''[[nuclear power|main article]]''

Several hundred fuel assemblies such as those in Figure 2 are needed for a nuclear reactor, with a 1000 [[megawatts electric|MWe]] reactor using around 75 [[tonne]]s of enriched uranium fuel.<ref name=wna/>

The production of power is done very similarly to a [[coal-fired power plant]], however the type of fuel and methods of obtaining heat differ drastically. When slow-moving [[neutron]]s are absorbed by 235U, the atom splits, causing a [[nuclear chain reaction]]. This produces tremendous [[heat]], and this heat can be absorbed by [[water]]. The water [[phase change]]s to [[steam]], which can then be used to spin a [[turbine]] and generate electricity.

Some of the 238U also gets used for power generation, however it needs to be converted to [[plutonium]] first. This happens naturally in a reactor, as the 238U absorbs a neutron, then [[beta decay|beta minus decay]]s twice up to 239Pu.<ref>Hyperphysics. (June 18 2015). ''Fast Breeder Reactors'' [Online], Available: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/nucene/fasbre.html</ref> The plutonium then decays through the 235U decay chain, and accounts for about 1/3 of the power output of the plant.<ref name=wna/>

Typically 44 [[terawatt-hour|TWh]] are produced per tonne of natural uranium. In comparison, 20 000 tonnes of [[coal]] or 8.5 million cubic meters of [[gas]] would be needed to match this.<Ref name=wna/><ref name=doe/>

[[File:BoilingWaterReactor.gif|200px|framed|center|Figure 3. A boiling water nuclear reactor, which is an external combustion engine.<ref>U.S. NRC. (June 18 2015). Available: http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/basic-ref/students/animated-bwr.html</ref>]]

===Used fuel and reprocessing===
:''[[uranium reprocessing|main article]]

After time, the amount of usable fuel in the reactor will diminish due to heavy elements and other fission products being produced. After 18-36 months the fuel is removed from the reactor, however there is still potential for energy contained in it, with the amount depending on the type of reactor. This fuel is very hot and radioactive, so it is stored temporarily in a storage pool of water, which cools it and absorbs the radiation.

The fuel can then be reprocessed since it still has slightly more 235U than found in nature (if the fuel comes from a [[light water reactor]]). The plutonium can be made into a mixed oxide (MOX) fuel, in which uranium oxide is combined with plutonium oxide.<ref name=wna/> This is done by dissolving the fuel rods in a solution in order to obtain the separate materials.

===Waste===
:''[[Nuclear waste|main article]]

The unusable waste produced throughout the nuclear fuel cycle, including low-level waste from all stages of the cycle, intermediate waste from the reactor, and high-level waste separated in the reprocessing.<ref name=wna/> The waste can be incorporated into a solid material, with a year's waste from a 1000 MWe reactor producing about 5 tonnes.<ref name=wna/>

At the present time there are no disposal facilities for this material, only storage facilities. This is because there is no immediate need to rid of it since it doesn't occupy much space, and also because it could still potentially be reprocessed at a later date.<ref name=wna/>

==References==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Uploaded]]