The debate on nuclear fuel storage

By John T. Herron, President, CEO and Chief Nuclear Officer, Entergy Nuclear

I recently had the opportunity to address the Transportation and Storage Subcommittee of the Blue Ribbon Commission. The Transportation and Storage Subcommittee of the Blue Ribbon Commission, under the authority of the Department of Energy, was established to answer the question, “Should the U.S. change the way in which it is storing used nuclear fuel and high level waste while one or more final disposal locations are established?” Our industry has some challenges to overcome and one of those at the top of my list is addressing the issue of long-term nuclear fuel and waste storage.

My company and the nuclear energy industry are concerned about these major issues:

1. The United States should change the way in which it is storing used nuclear fuel and high-level waste. One or more final disposal locations need to be established. The status quo is not acceptable. The storage facilities for nuclear spent fuel and waste should be run by either federal corporations or a private entity.

2. The Department of Energy and the Department of Justice need to meet their obligations for fuel storage and make the utilities and their customers whole according to current laws and contracts. American taxpayers have contributed more than $34 billion into a waste fund. Ongoing lawsuits between the utilities and the government regarding defaulting on obligations and use of funds must be addressed.

3. Decommissioned nuclear power sites should be returned to productive use or natural sites and not continue to house nuclear fuel. More at:http://www.powergenworldwide.com/index/display/articledisplay/5596741245/articles/powergenworldwide/nuclear/waste-and-decommissioning/2010/11/The-debate-on-nuclear-fuel-storage.html