In the utilization of nuclear fission energy, radioactive
fission products and transuranium elements are formed. Decay
energy from fission products accounts for about 6% of total
fission energy. A small part is released and absorbed in
the reactor core, but the remaining decay energy causes
great difficulties in nuclear waste storage and disposal.
Plutonium, the most important of the transuraniun elements,
is a valuable nuclear resource. However, it is also the
main issue of nuclear non-proliferation. The long-term ¦Á-radioactivity
of transuranium elements causes safety problems in nuclear
waste's final disposal. We expect that in the 21st century,
an advanced nuclear fuel cycle will be developed. The quantity
of nuclear waste will be minimized and the long-term radiotoxicity
of nuclear waste will be significantly decreased.
