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2026 Nuclear Energy Conference & Expo (NECX)
August 24–27, 2026
Dallas, TX|Hilton Anatole
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Front-end nuclear fuel supply cooperation: Turning allied interdependence into strategic advantage
The global nuclear revival, which is fueled by unprecedented demand for firm, affordable, dispatchable power for artificial intelligence and data center build-out, energy security imperatives, and climate commitments, has exposed a structural reality of the Western fuel cycle: No single allied nation currently possesses the full suite of front-end capabilities. From mining through conversion, enrichment, fabrication, and the emerging deconversion and metallization steps required for reactor fuels, capability is distributed across Canada, France, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States (collectively, the “Sapporo Five”), as well as a small group of close partners.
R. Philip Hammond, John R. Humphreys, Jr.
Nuclear Science and Engineering | Volume 18 | Number 4 | April 1964 | Pages 421-425
Technical Paper | doi.org/10.13182/NSE64-A18759
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
This study considers a fast-reactor concept in which the recirculating molten plutonium alloy fuel is externally cooled by direct contact with an immiscible coolant fluid. An example of one such design is given using sodium as the coolant and Pu/Co/Ce ternary as the fuel. Operational characteristics are discussed showing the self-regulating features of the system. Some fission-product-removal mechanisms are considered together with their effect on core life and system safety. The principal problem areas are fuel pumping, phase separation, and containment-materials compatability.