IDAHO FALLS, Idaho – A working group recently addressed policy and crosscutting issues impacting the handling, storage and disposition of DOE-managed spent nuclear fuel (SNF) in its first in-person meeting since late 2019.

DOE’s Spent Nuclear Fuel Working Group, which usually meets twice a year, held its spring meeting at the Idaho Operations Office. Participants also joined the meeting virtually.

Meeting attendees visited the Idaho Nuclear Technology and Engineering Center and the Naval Reactors Facility (NRF). Tour stops included the Chemical Processing Plant (CPP)-666, CPP-603, rail yard, Spent Fuel Packaging Facility and Cask Shipping and Receiving Facility.

“It has been fascinating to compare the challenges NRF has tackled and their progress to date with those we have in the DOE complex,” said Jomaries Rovira, director of EM’s Office of Nuclear Materials. “It is valuable to share experiences and be able to learn from each other.”

The working group is co-chaired by EM and DOE’s Office of Nuclear Energy. Representatives from the Naval Reactors, Office of Science Oak Ridge Site Office, Richland Operations Office, Savannah River Operations Office, Savannah River National Laboratory, Idaho Operations Office and the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) participated in the meeting.

The meeting focused on the working group’s site support, new opportunities identified for fiscal year 2024 and assistance to the INL Site as it lays out the SNF Management Plan.

“We always benefit from discussions with our colleagues in the spent nuclear fuel community,” Rovira said. “Through our excellent relationship, we can work together to address the remaining challenges related to DOE-managed spent nuclear fuel.”

The working group’s next in-person meeting is tentatively set for November.