Safeguardability assessment for the new HALEU fuel fabrication facility

Abstract

The nuclear industry is developing next-generation reactors to enhance energy security and address climate change. In the future, advanced reactors such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are expected to utilize High Assay Low Enriched Uranium (HALEU) fuel, which typically has uranium-235 enrichment levels ranging from 5% to 20%. Consequently, the introduction of new fuel fabrication facilities is required to produce this new type of nuclear fuel for advanced reactors. From a nuclear safeguards perspective, the introduction of new nuclear facilities may raise unforeseen safeguards concerns such as dedicated misuse and sabotage. Moreover, applying existing safeguards regulations and surveillance systems directly to these facilities could pose several risks. This thesis evaluates the safeguards of a hypothetical fuel fabrication facility producing high assay low enriched uranium fuel, applying qualitative and quantitative methodologies.