Belgium Fuel Cycle with ANICCA code: Study of current Belgium fuel scenario and an alternative cycle with the integration of SMR-LFR with ANICCA

Due to the growing global interest in nuclear energy, studying the impact of this technology on health and the environment has become increasingly important. Moreover, with the development of new reactors capable of using spent fuel from previous generations, a new era of efficiency, safety, and improved waste management is emerging, and the Belgian government is aware of this. Although the open fuel cycle strategy has been the dominant approach over the past 25 years, alternative concepts such as reusing spent fuel in next-generation reactors should not be dismissed, as they aim to reduce hazardous elements like plutonium and produce cleaner energy. Because of this, in the SCK CEN important research is being carried out, including work on small modular lead fast reactors and new nuclear fuel cycles, among others. Meanwhile, as this new reactor is being developed, initial studies of their impact and fuel requirements need to be carried out. This study will provide a first approximation of how these reactors can change the current fuel cycle, focusing on the amount of fuel available from the actual reactors to estimate the number of reactors that can be built, when they should begin operation and the time, they will be able to operate using a simple semi-closed cycle. This could serve as a basis for future studies on an advanced closed cycle. The first two baseline scenarios have been studied, designed and simulated, where the first phase-out meets the imposed dates on schedule, and the second scenario where the phase-out is postponed for another 10 years. After this phase, in both scenarios, a prototype reactor has been implemented, which, for practical purposes, would begin operating in 2040. Its purpose, rather than electricity generation, research and technological development in this type of reactor. After getting a positive response from ANICCA program, there is plutonium inventory to proceed with the implementation of fast reactors at a commercial level. A single reactor was implemented with a life of 40 years in both scenarios and after its operation, the amount of available non-reprocessed plutonium to continue operation was studied, resulting in the following simulations and results: It is feasible to make a fleet of two reactors operating for 60 years or 3 operating for 40 years if the phase out of the current plants is not extended. If the phase-out is extended and it is decided to maintain 4 GWe for 10 more years, then a future fleet of 3 reactors operating for almost 49 years each, or 4 reactors operating a little more than 35 years each, can be expected. In conclusion, with the semi-closed cycle, a good number of reactors can operate for a reasonable number of years; however, a multi-recycling strategy would allow for an increase in the number of reactors and their operating time.