[New post] The giant question: is Australia able to deal with submarine nuclear wastes?
Christina MacPherson posted: " So, what are the parts of the submarine that require dismantling and does Australia have the capability? Retired submarines generate three levels of radioactive material, which raises challenges for how parts can be handled, transported and st"
So, what are the parts of the submarine that require dismantlingand does Australia have the capability?
Retired submarines generate three levels of radioactive material, which raises challenges for how parts can be handled, transported and stored. The NAO report summarises the submarine parts as:
Irradiated fuel from within the submarine's reactor core. As it continues to generate heat, fuel will be stored under water at the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority's (NDA's) Sellafield site.
Intermediate-level waste, primarily the Reactor Pressure Vessel (RPV) and other parts from within the reactor compartment, which had been close to the nuclear fuel. This waste comprises about 1 per cent (50 tonnes) of the boat; and
Low-level waste that needs to be handled and disposed of within the regulatory framework but does not meet the criteria for intermediate-level waste. This covers the remainder of a submarine's reactor compartment such as pipework and comprises around 4 per cent (176 tonnes) of the boat, to be disposed of in a low-level waste repository.....................
The giant question mark over SA's role in nuclear submarine push, InDaily, Kevin Naughton, 30 Sep 21, Australia's nuclear submarine ambition has few knowns and many unknowns – and one of these casts a giant shadow over South Australia's role. Kevin Naughton analyses the uncertainties and responsibilities that come with owning a set of submarine-encased nuclear reactors and more than 220 tonnes of nuclear waste per boat.
The UK is one of the three partners in the recently announced AUKUS alliance, whose first major initiative will be to "deliver a nuclear-powered submarine fleet to Australia", as Prime Minister Scott Morrison trumpeted on Thursday, September 16.
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