What Is a Byproduct of Nuclear Energy?

A by-product of nuclear energy is used nuclear fuel.

Nuclear energy is derived by the splitting apart of uranium atoms. The most significant by-product of this process is the highly radioactive used nuclear fuel that is left behind.

Nuclear Energy Byproducts

Nuclear reactors produce energy by splitting apart uranium atoms in a process called fission. However, not all of the uranium atoms in a given amount of fuel will split apart before the fuel is removed from the reactor. This by-product of nuclear energy is known as used nuclear fuel, and is categorized as high-level radioactive waste.

Used Nuclear Fuel

Used nuclear fuel is uranium that is highly radioactive, but too weak to economically power a nuclear reactor. It will remain radioactive for thousands of years, and safe disposal of this waste is a controversial environmental subject. Currently, used nuclear fuel is stored at nuclear power plants in water-filled pools, or in aboveground containers built of steel and concrete.

Reprocessing Used Nuclear Fuel

The United States does not reprocess used nuclear fuel, but other countries do. Used fuel can be reprocessed to recover uranium and plutonium that can be used as fresh fuel for nuclear power plants. This reprocessing also reduces the volume of waste that needs to be disposed of. Russia, Japan and several European countries all have policies for reprocessing used nuclear fuel.

References

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Spent Nuclear Fuel and High-Level Radioactive Waste
• PPL Corporation: Benefits and Byproducts
• World Nuclear Association: Processing of Used Nuclear Fuel