Enterprise Fuels Study

CLIENT NAME: sellafield ltd

Dates: 2017 - 2020

TÜD SÜD Nuclear Technologies Division has delivered support to a study for Sellafield Ltd which identified conditioning, storage and disposal solutions for metallic, uranic fuel and uranium bearing material.

Business challenge

Sellafield Ltd is responsible for the management of a large number of facilities with inventories that include a range of metallic uranic fuel and fuel bearing materials arising from decades of activities on the Sellafield site which require conditioning, storage and disposal solutions. Across the wider Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) estate, other uranic fuel and fuel bearing materials in either wet or dry conditions also require management solutions, some of these have been transferred or plan to be transferred to the site.

A project was undertaken by TÜV SÜD, for each material within the scope of the study to:

• Assess and define the feasibility of conditioning and storage options in line with final disposal assumptions and risks.
• Develop optimal disposal solutions to address gaps identified between the material groups and disposal assumptions.
• Identify constraints related to the timing options for conditioning, storage and disposal solutions.
• Produce recommendations for further work.

Solution

TÜV SÜD was part of a wider project team and took the lead on the following tasks:

• Optioneering workshops to aid the down selection process by discussing each of the options selected for progression.
• Stakeholder engagement with Radioactive Waste Management Ltd (RWM) to understand the requirements for underpinning work on receipt, emplacement and disposal in a deep geological facility.
• An assessment of each of the schemes via the NDA value framework was undertaken to provide an appraisal of factors such as health and safety, security and environmental impact.
• Preparation of a bespoke cost model that allowed an evaluation of each of the schemes costs under a set of assumptions and enabled sensitivity analysis to understand the effect of changing individual or collective parameters and how that may affect the results of a comparison exercise.
• Best available technique (BAT) and as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP) assessments.
• Production a digital technology roadmap which identified the work required to underpin the selected schemes and provided an indicative timescale for when they should be undertaken.

Business benefits

The project was delivered by developing an understanding of the knowledge gaps, structured workshops with the client and wider team to identify the maturity of options and underpinning work required to further develop the viable schemes. These schemes were then progressed and assessed in line with BAT and ALARP principles and included engagement with RWM on the work required to underpin the disposability aspects i.e. receipt, emplacement and disposal in a geological disposal facility.

Add value. Inspire trust.

The final study and all underpinning assessments, optioneering studies and comparative evaluations were delivered to time and cost. The client confirmed that the output provided a demonstrably robust methodology which met the full satisfaction and acceptance by Sellafield Ltd and the NDA.

The Nuclear Technologies Division of TÜV SÜD has been providing support to the nuclear industry and innovating within the field of nuclear science for over 25 years. The team of highly qualified expert nuclear consultants is here to support clients with knowledge on industry best practice and to provide innovative solutions to complex technical and strategic challenges. The team helps clients to achieve safe and secure operations in line with legal and regulatory requirements whilst ensuring value in delivery.