New technology can recycle 90% of nuclear waste into fuel

The difference between this technology and traditional methods of radioactive waste management is that it is a cost-effective and sustainable alternative that drastically reduces the volume of radioactive waste and converts it into energy assets.

Moltex Energy Canada Inc. has developed the ‘Waste to Stable Salt’ (WATSS) process, which involves a 24-hour chemical process to remove up to 90% of the transuranic material from spent nuclear fuel, allowing it to be reused as an energy source. To this end, the following steps are carried out:

• Pretreatment: The spent fuel is transported to a WATSS facility (preferably near the nuclear power plants to minimize transport risks) and undergoes an oxidation-reduction process for preparation.
• First: The transuranic elements are separated from the uranium by dissolving them in molten salt, while the uranium remains insoluble.
• Second and third: The extracted transuranic elements are refined in a molten salt fuel, removing fission products. The final salt mixture is adjusted according to reactor requirements, producing chloride- or fluoride-based salts.

Therefore, the introduction of WATSS represents a milestone in nuclear waste management. Instead of being a long-term liability, it can become an economic opportunity for utilities and waste owners, especially with the current increase in demand for nuclear energy.

Information source: Moltex Energy Canada Inc.