Abstract:
This paper analyzes how to measure progress in the minimization of HEU-fueled research reactors with respect to the International Fuel Cycle Evaluation (INFCE) completed in 1978, and the establishment of new objectives towards 2020. All HEU-fueled research facilities converted, commissioned or decommissioned after 1978, in total more than 310 facilities, are included. More than 130 HEU-fuelled facilities still remain in operation today. The most important measure has been facility shut-down, accounting for 62% of the reduction in U-235 consumption from 1978 to 2007. Presently, only three regions worldwide use significant amounts of HEU; North-America, Russia with the Newly Independent States, and Europe. Projected HEU consumption in 2020 will drop to less 50 kg as the current HEU-fueled steady-state reactors are shut-down or converted. However. if the current lack of concern for HEU in life-time cores is not changed, in particular in Russia, 50-100 such facilities may continue to be in operation in 2020.