The Atlas railcar carries a simulated shipment of spent nuclear fuel during testing in September 2023. (Photo: DOE)
The Department of Energy has issued a request for information to gather input on its proposed package performance demonstration, which is intended to demonstrate the robustness of spent nuclear fuel transportation casks in hypothetical accident conditions. By simulating severe accident scenarios, the DOE said it intends to show to the public and stakeholders the safety and reliability of transporting SNF by rail, heavy-haul truck, and barge.
Through the RFI, the DOE is seeking information from a wide range of stakeholders, including government partners, the general public, industry experts, and potential suppliers. The deadline for responses is September 30. More information, including how to submit responses, can be found on the FedConnect listing.
According to the DOE, responses to the RFI will help inform the department’s plans for a future request for proposals for the equipment and services needed to conduct the demonstration.
Details: Looking to address public concerns regarding the safety of transporting SNF, the DOE plans to conduct physical demonstrations on a rail-sized SNF transportation cask. According to the DOE, the demonstration is inspired by a history of similar testing endeavors worldwide and recommended by the National Academy of Sciences and the Blue Ribbon Commission on America’s Nuclear Future. The DOE is considering both demonstrations based on regulatory tests and demonstrations based on realistic transportation incident scenarios.
Following are the key objectives of the demonstration:
- Build public trust. The demonstration aims to address public concerns regarding the safety of transporting SNF by rail, heavy-haul truck, and barge.
- Comprehensive input. Stakeholder feedback is sought on the types of full-scale demonstrations to be conducted, the selection of SNF transportation casks, potential testing facilities, and how information from the demonstration can be used.
- Supplier engagement. The DOE is requesting detailed information from potential suppliers regarding equipment and services necessary for the demonstration, including cask vendors, testing facilities, and providers of instrumentation and videography services.
