Past studies of the implementation of partitioning and transmutation performed within the Nuclear Science Committee of the OECD/NEA have mostly concentrated on equilibrium mode scenarios, where the global infrastructure is fixed and mass flows of materials are constant. These studies have resulted in a deep understanding of the possibilities of partitioning and transmutation (P&T) to address nuclear waste issues, and have indicated the infrastructure requirements for several key technical approaches. While these studies have proven extremely valuable, several countries have also recognised the complex dynamic nature of the infrastructure problem: severe new issues arise when attempting to transition from current open or partially closed cycles to a final equilibrium or burndown mode. While the issues are country-specific when addressed in detail, it is believed that a series of generic issues exists related only to the current situation and to the desired end point. Some specific examples are listed here:
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Last reviewed: 10 July 2017