SUBSCRIBE
PROFILE

Rosatom unveils innovative spent fuel reprocessing technology

Rosatom, Russia's state-owned nuclear company, has announced the development of an innovative crystallization technology for the purification and separation of nuclear materials from spent fuel.

Share:

retraitement combustible nucléaire révolutionnaire Rosatom

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

SUBSCRIBE - 99$/year

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

Scientists from Rosatom’s Fuel Division and the “Proryv” (Breakthrough) project are behind this new technology. It will be used in the irradiated uranium-plutonium fuel reprocessing facility (SNUP) at the ODEK pilot energy complex currently under construction at the Siberian Chemical Combine site in Seversk, Tomsk region.
The crystallization process will be the final technological step in the purification of nuclear materials isolated from irradiated SNUP fuel – uranium, plutonium and neptunium. Unlike existing extraction technologies, crystallization produces a reduced volume of secondary waste, thanks in particular to the exclusive use of nitric acid solutions as reagents. In recent years, nuclear recycling has been growing in importance, as demonstrated by ChatGPT’s involvement in this field.

A safe, environmentally-friendly process

According to Rosatom, this crystallization technology will guarantee a high level of safety during spent fuel reprocessing. The process will jointly purify and isolate uranium, plutonium and neptunium, eliminating the need to isolate plutonium as a separate product. The technology is therefore fully compliant with the nuclear non-proliferation regime.
In addition, by reducing the volume of secondary waste, this innovation will improve the environmental safety of the spent fuel reprocessing process.

A key link in a closed fuel cycle

Spent fuel reprocessing technologies are of particular importance for the closure of the nuclear fuel cycle at ODEK. After reprocessing, the materials separated from the spent fuel will be sent for the manufacture of new fuel.
In this way, the system will gradually move towards near-total autonomy, independent of external energy supplies. Rosatom’s “Proryv” project aims to enable a closed nuclear fuel cycle, ultimately eliminating the production of radioactive waste from nuclear power generation.
The development of this crystallization technology marks a significant step towards this ambitious goal. By focusing on innovation, Rosatom is demonstrating its determination to optimize spent fuel reprocessing with a view to safety and sustainability.

  • Popular on energynews.pro
Kazakhstan launches tenders for 3 GW of renewable capacity by 2026
The European Union approves 235 energy interconnection projects through 2040
Serbia forced to shut down its only refinery after US sanctions
Sanctions against Rosneft and Lukoil redirect oil flows toward Asia
Denmark forms industrial alliance to prepare for a civil nuclear comeback
Natura Resources accelerates molten salt reactor development with DOE support
Texas-based developer Natura Resources receives new federal funding to test key components of its 100-megawatt modular reactor in partnership with Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
Japan set to vote on partial restart of Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant
The Niigata regional assembly is deliberating on restarting unit 6 of the world’s largest nuclear plant, thirteen years after operations ceased following the Fukushima disaster.
Belgium: Doel 2 permanently shut down after fifty years of operation
Reactor Doel 2 was taken offline, becoming the fifth Belgian reactor to cease operations under the country’s gradual nuclear phase-out policy.
Rolls-Royce SMR strengthens nuclear cooperation with ÚJV Řež in Czechia
Rolls-Royce SMR has expanded its partnership with ÚJV Řež to accelerate the deployment of small modular reactors, targeting the construction of several units in the Czech Republic and abroad.
India prepares to open its nuclear sector to private players
The Indian government aims to amend legislation to allow private companies to participate in civil nuclear development, a move positioned as critical to achieving the country’s long-term energy targets.
China completes modular construction of Xudabao 4 passive tank
The VVER-1200 nuclear reactor at Xudabao 4 in China has completed installation of its final passive water tank, marking the end of modular construction for the second phase of the project.
Canada and Alberta agree on joint nuclear strategy by 2027
Ottawa and Edmonton commit to a nuclear production roadmap by 2050, through a memorandum of understanding also covering carbon capture and an Indigenous-led pipeline project.
Niger challenges Orano by launching its uranium production on the international market
Niamey asserts control over its uranium resources by authorising open market sales of Somaïr’s production, formerly operated by France’s Orano, amid ongoing legal disputes.
Equinix secures 500 MWe nuclear supply from Stellaria for AI data centres
Equinix has signed a strategic agreement with French start-up Stellaria to reserve 500 MWe of advanced nuclear capacity to power its future European AI data centres starting in 2035.
Kyrgyzstan bets on a Russian small modular reactor to solve its energy crisis
Bishkek plans to host a RITM-200N small modular reactor supplied by Rosatom to address electricity shortages and deepen energy ties with Moscow, despite the risks posed by Western sanctions.
TEPCO could restart Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant as early as January
The Niigata prefectural assembly will vote on the restart of Unit 6, potentially marking TEPCO’s first reactor relaunch since the 2011 Fukushima disaster.
Norway launches cross-border consultation on nuclear power plant project
The Norwegian government has initiated a consultation with neighbouring countries on its modular nuclear power plant project in Aure and Heim, in accordance with the Espoo Convention.
TÜNAŞ and KEPCO sign deal to accelerate nuclear development in Türkiye
Türkiye and South Korea have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly explore nuclear power plant projects, marking a strategic step in the long-term development of Türkiye's energy infrastructure.
Asian Development Bank opens nuclear energy financing to developing countries
Asian Development Bank has amended its energy policy to enable funding for civil nuclear projects in developing member countries across the Asia-Pacific region.
First Hydrogen launches project on molten-salt fuels for small modular reactors
First Hydrogen begins research with the University of Alberta to identify molten-salt mixtures simulating nuclear fuels for SMR prototypes.
Framatome delivers first nuclear fuel assemblies for Barakah
Framatome has completed the manufacturing of the first nuclear fuel assemblies for the Barakah power plant, marking a key milestone in the supply agreement signed with Emirates Nuclear Energy Company in July.
UK launches radical overhaul of nuclear regulation system
A government-commissioned report proposes 47 measures to simplify nuclear regulation, reduce decommissioning costs and accelerate delivery of civilian and military projects.
Zhangzhou’s second reactor delivers first kilowatt-hours to the grid
The Hualong One reactor at Zhangzhou nuclear power plant has been connected to the grid, marking a major milestone in the expansion of China’s civilian nuclear programme.
Rosatom receives approval to 3D-print SMR components
Russian state nuclear group Rosatom has validated the additive manufacturing of parts for its small modular reactors, marking an industrial first for RITM-200 SMR plant equipment.
Maritime Fusion raises $4.5mn to bring fusion energy to commercial ships
California-based Maritime Fusion, backed by Y Combinator and Trucks VC, is betting on a decentralised approach to fusion to target maritime and off-grid applications.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

START - 99$/year

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.