Title: Hydrogen production coupled to nuclear waste treatment: the safe treatment of alkali metals through a well-demonstrated process

Authors: Andre Rahier, Guy Mesrobian

Addresses: Studie Centrum Voor Kernenergie (SCK-CEN), 200, Boeretang, B-2400, Mol, Belgium. ' Euro Chlor, Avenue E Van Nieuwenhuyse 4, Box 2, B-1160 Brussels, Belgium

Abstract: In 1992, the United Nations emphasised the urgent need to act against the perpetuation of disparities between and within nations, the worsening of poverty, hunger, ill health and illiteracy and the continuing deterioration of ecosystems on which we depend for our well-being. In this framework, taking into account the preservation of both worldwide energy resources and ecosystems, the use of nuclear energy to produce clean energy carriers, such as hydrogen, is undoubtedly advisable. However, coping fully with the Agenda 21 statements requires defining adequate treatment processes for nuclear wastes. This paper discusses the possible use of a well-demonstrated process to convert radioactively contaminated alkali metals into sodium hydroxide while producing hydrogen. We conclude that a synergy between Chlor-Alkali specialists and nuclear specialists may help find an acceptable solution for radioactively contaminated sodium waste.

Keywords: hydrogen production; nuclear waste; alkali metals; waste treatment; nuclear energy; sustainable development; sodium hydroxide; nuclear power; radioactive contamination; sodium waste.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNHPA.2006.009863

International Journal of Nuclear Hydrogen Production and Applications, 2006 Vol.1 No.1, pp.1 - 12

Published online: 20 May 2006 *

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