§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for Energy how the costs of reprocessing spent thermal oxide fuel compare with those for dry storage of such fuel.
§ Mr. GoodladOxide fuel is not currently being reprocessed in the United Kingdom. At this stage any comparison must be speculative and would need to take account of the cost of subsequent treatment of fuel after dry storage, whether that be by reprocessing or direct disposal, and other factors such as the availability and price of fresh uranium.
§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for Energy what estimates he has made of the maximum safe storage periods for advanced gas-cooled reactors and pressurised water reactors spent nuclear fuel, respectively, in wet and dry storage facilities.
§ Mr. GoodladNo firm estimates are available, but I am advised that both PWR and AGR fuel could in 471W principle be stored in dry conditions for a considerable time before reprocessing or disposal. PWR fuel can also be stored in water for very long periods. AGR fuel may be stored under water for 10 years or more given satisfactory pond conditions.
§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for Energy what have been the trends in costs of reprocessing spent thermal oxide fuel and in the price of uranium fuel in the past five years.
§ Mr. GoodladThe price of nuclear fuel reflects a number of factors including the cost of uranium ore, fuel enrichment and fuel fabrication. Recently nuclear fuel costs have declined and this trend may continue for some time. Oxide fuel is not reprocessed in the United Kingdom at present.