RFA - DEMONSTRATION OF RECYCLING OF DEFENSE USED NUCLEAR FUEL

The Department of Energy (DOE) is seeking proposals for a large-scale demonstration of the commercial viability of recycling defense-related used nuclear fuel (UNF) currently in storage at the Idaho Nuclear Technology and Engineering Center (INTEC). The demonstration should be conducted using prototypical process equipment and include UNF handling, recycling, product separation, and waste management. The applicant will be responsible for all costs associated with the project and must demonstrate a sound understanding of nuclear fuel recycling. • The demonstration will be conducted on a scale that demonstrates the complete steady-state recycling operation. • The applicant will have access to some UNF from DOE's Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) for the demonstration. • The DOE will consider making limited quantities of irradiated material representative of other defense-related UNF available to the applicant. • Teaming is strongly encouraged, but any scope for a non-U.S. company must be clearly defined to ensure compliance with national security concerns.