Research article
| 
13 Aug 2026
Research article |
| 13 Aug 2026
| 13 Aug 2026
The long history of promises by accelerator-driven systems
Friederike Frieß
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Institute of Safety and Risk Sciences, Department of Water, Landscape, and Infrastructure, BOKU University Vienna, Austria
Björn Steigerwald
Workgroup for Economic and Infrastructure Policy, Technische Universität Berlin, Germany
Yannick Vogt
Institute of Safety and Risk Sciences, Department of Water, Landscape, and Infrastructure, BOKU University Vienna, Austria
Related authors
Friederike Frieß
Saf. Nucl. Waste Disposal, 2, 211–212, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-2-211-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-2-211-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Several countries consider partitioning and transmutation (P&T) to be a useful supplement to the widely accepted storage of high-level radioactive waste in deep geological disposal. In addition to the technical feasibility, implementation of a P&T fuel cycle poses significant proliferation risks.
Matthias Englert and Friederike Frieß
Saf. Nucl. Waste Disposal, 2, 219–219, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-2-219-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-2-219-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
On a moderated panel, four panelists consider so-called
novelreactor concepts and engage in an interactive discussion with the audience.
Friederike Frieß, Wolfgang Liebert, and Nikolaus Müllner
Saf. Nucl. Waste Disposal, 1, 261–262, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-1-261-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-1-261-2021, 2021
Friederike Frieß
Saf. Nucl. Waste Disposal, 2, 211–212, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-2-211-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-2-211-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Several countries consider partitioning and transmutation (P&T) to be a useful supplement to the widely accepted storage of high-level radioactive waste in deep geological disposal. In addition to the technical feasibility, implementation of a P&T fuel cycle poses significant proliferation risks.
Rebekka Bärenbold, Muhammad Maladoh Bah, Rebecca Lordan-Perret, Björn Steigerwald, Christian von Hirschhausen, Ben Wealer, Hannes Weigt, and Alexander Wimmers
Saf. Nucl. Waste Disposal, 2, 3–4, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-2-3-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-2-3-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
In this survey paper, we bring together the insights from six country case studies on decommissioning commercial nuclear power plants (NPPs). The six countries we selected for our research have commercial nuclear industries that span a wide spectrum in terms of organization, regulation, financial provisions, and production of decommissioning services. Based on the cross-comparison of countries and their approaches to decommissioning, we highlight a series of gaps in the existing research.
Björn Steigerwald, Jens Weibezahn, Martin Slowik, and Christian von Hirschhausen
Saf. Nucl. Waste Disposal, 2, 217–218, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-2-217-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-2-217-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Today, nuclear new builds are again being discussed in media and the literature. In the paper we benchmark current available estimation techniques for small modular reactor (SMR) concepts and introduce a unique dataset of SMR concepts. Finally we compare our results with current costs of renewable energy sources.
Matthias Englert and Friederike Frieß
Saf. Nucl. Waste Disposal, 2, 219–219, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-2-219-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-2-219-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
On a moderated panel, four panelists consider so-called
novelreactor concepts and engage in an interactive discussion with the audience.
Friederike Frieß, Wolfgang Liebert, and Nikolaus Müllner
Saf. Nucl. Waste Disposal, 1, 261–262, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-1-261-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-1-261-2021, 2021
Cited articles
Abderrahim, H. A. and Giot, M.: The Accelerator Driven Systems, a 21st Century Option for Closing Nuclear Fuel Cycles and Transmuting Minor Actinides, Sustainability, 13, 12643, https://doi.org/10.3390/su132212643, 2021. a, b, c, d
Abderrahim, H. A., Kupschus, P., Malambu, E., Benoit, P., Van Tichelen, K., Arien, B., Vermeersch, F., D’hondt, P., Jongen, Y., Ternier, S., and Vandeplassche, D.: MYRRHA: A multipurpose accelerator driven system for research & development, Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment, 463, 487–494, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0168-9002(01)00164-4, 2001. a
Arthur, E.: The Los Alamos Accelerator Transmutation of Nuclear Waste (ATW) Concept, LA-UR-92-2020, Tech. rep., Los Alamos National Laboratory, 1992. a
Axmann, A., Böning, K., and Rottmann, M.: FRM-II: The new German research reactor, Nucl. Eng. Des., 178, 127–133, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0029-5493(97)00215-X, 1997. a
Beller, D. E., Van Tuyle, G. J., Bennett, D., Lawrence, G., Thomas, K., Pasamehmetoglu, K., Li, N., Hill, D., Laidler, J., and Fink, P.: The U.S. accelerator transmutation of waste program, Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment, 463, 468–486, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0168-9002(01)00163-2, 2001. a
Birraux, C.: Contrôle de la sûreté et de la sécurité des installations nucléaires. Tome I: Conclusions du rapporteur, Tech. Rep. 349, Office Parlementaire d’Evaluation des Choix Scientifiques et Technologiques, Assemblée Nationale, 1997. a
Bosbach, D., Modolo, G., and Tromm, W.: Partitioning and Efficient Transmutation, Studie mit Fokus auf innovativen Strategien in RUSsland (PETRUS), Report for the federal ministry for the environment, climate action, nature conservation and nuclear safety, Research Centre Jülich and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 2022. a, b, c
Bowman, C. D.: Accelerator Driven Systems for Nuclear Waste Transmutation, Annu. Rev. Nucl. Part. S., 48, 505–556, https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.nucl.48.1.505, 1998. a, b
Bowman, C. D., Arthur, E. D., Lisowski, P. W., Lawrence, G. P., Jensen, R. J., Anderson, J. L., Blind, B., Cappiello, M., Davidson, J. W., England, T. R., Engel, L. N., Haight, R. C., Hughes, H. G., Ireland, J. R., Krakowski, R. A., LaBauve, R. J., Letellier, B. C., Perry, R. T., Russell, G. J., Staudhammer, K. P., Versamis, G., and Wilson, W. B.: Nuclear energy generation and waste transmutation using an accelerator-driven intense thermal neutron source, Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment, 320, 336–367, https://doi.org/10.1016/0168-9002(92)90795-6, 1992. a, b
Braun, C.: Economic Analysis of Fast Spectrum Reactors, in: Fast Spectrum Reactors, edited by: Waltar, A. E., Todd, D. R., and Tsvetkov, P. V., 39–46, Springer US, Boston, MA, ISBN 978-1-4419-9571-1 978-1-4419-9572-8, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-9572-8_3, 2012. a
Brookhuis, H.: Making Belgian Big Science, Hist. Stud. Nat. Sci., 53, 35–70, https://doi.org/10.1525/hsns.2023.53.1.35, 2023. a
Bruyn, D. D., Abderrahim, H. A., Baeten, P., and Leysen, P.: The MYRRHA ADS Project in Belgium Enters the Front End Engineering Phase, Phys. Proced., 66, 75–84, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phpro.2015.05.012, 2015. a
Bryant, P. J.: A Brief History and Review of Accelerators, CERN Accelerator School: Course on General Accelerator Physics, CERN, Jyvaskala, Finland, 1992. a
Buongiorno, J., Corradini, M., Parson, J., and Petti, D.: The Future of Nuclear Energy in a Carbon-Constrained World, Tech. rep., MIT Energy Initiative, 2018. a
Chakravarty, R.: Availability of Yttrium-90 from Strontium-90: A Nuclear Medicine Perspective, Cancer Biotherapy & Radiopharmaceuticals, 27, 165–176, https://doi.org/10.1089/cbr.2012.1285, 2012. a
Chukhlantseva, E. V., Stepanova, O. V., Dichenko, O. Y., Kutuzova, O. A., Dzhevello, K. A., Tatarnikova, Y. M., Demchenko, E. A., and Borisenko, V. P.: Determination of the Radionuclide Composition of the Cesium–Strontium Fraction of High-Level Waste from Spent Nuclear Fuel Reprocessing, Radiochemistry, 66, 890–900, https://doi.org/10.1134/S1066362224060146, 2024. a
CSIRO: GenCost2024-25, Tech. rep., Australia's National Science Academy, https://www.csiro.au/en/research/technology-space/energy/Electricity-transition/GenCost (last access: 10 August 2026), 2024. a
Dalton, D.: Belgium confirms € 558 Million in Funding for Myrrha Research Reactor, Nucnet, https://www.nucnet.org/news/belgium-confirms-558-million-in-funding-for-myrrha-research-reactor (last access: 27 March 2026), 2018. a
DoE: A Roadmap for Developing Accelerator Transmutation of Waste (ATW) Technology – Report to Congress, DoE/RW-0519, U.S. Department of Energy, 1999. a
Englert, M., Mohr, S., Chaudry, S., Kurth, S., and Krob, F.: Verfolgung und Aufbereitung des Standes von Wissenschaft und Technik bei alternativen Entsorgungsoptionen für hochradioaktive Abfälle (altEr), Report for the Federal Office for the Safety of Nuclear Waste Management, urn:nbn:de:0221-2024052844041, Öko-Institut e.V., 2024. a
Englert, M., Pistner, C., Vogt, Y., and Frieß, F.: Scenario Analysis for Partitioning and Transmutation (P&T) in a Phase-out Scenario, INRAG working paper, International Nuclear Risk Assessment Group (INRAG), https://www.inrag.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/inrag_put_publication_V4.pdf (last access: 10 August 2026), 2026. a, b, c
ENS: Medical Isotopes – International Experts Call For Action To Secure Supply, European Nuclear Society, https://www.euronuclear.org/news/medical-isotopes-challenges-opportunities-sustainable-supply/ (last access: 27 March 2026), 2022. a
EPA: Radionuclide Basics: Strontium-90, https://www.epa.gov/radiation/radionuclide-basics-strontium-90 (last access: 6 July 2026), 2026. a
EU: Annex to the Proposal for a Council Regulation establishing the research and training programme of the European Atomic Energy Community for the period 2028-2032, complementing Horizon Europe, the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, and providing for the Community’s contribution to the ITER project, and repealing Regulation (Euratom) 2025/1304, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52025PC0594 (last access: 10 August 2026), 2025. a
European Commission, Joint Research Centre: Study on the Sustainable and Resilient Supply of Medical Radioisotopes in the EU, Tech. rep., Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg, https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC124565 (last access: 10 August 2026), 2021. a
Frieß, F. and Liebert, W.: Entschärfung der Atommüllproblematik durch Partitionierung und Transmutation? Beiträge zur Einschätzung des Potentials, in: “Grand Challenges” meistern: Der Beitrag der Technikfolgenabschätzung, edited by: Decker, M., Lindner, R., Lingner, S., Scherz, C., and Sotoudeh, M., no. 20 in Gesellschaft Technik Umwelt, 420, Nomos, Baden-Baden, ISBN 978-3-8487-4057-4, 2018. a, b
Frieß, F. and Liebert, W.: Inert-Matrix Fuel for Transmutation: Selected Mid- and Long-Term Effects on Reprocessing, Fuel Fabrication and Inventory Sent to Final Disposal, Prog. Nucl. Energ., 145, 104106, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pnucene.2021.104106, tex.ids= FRIE2022104106, 2022. a
Frieß, F., Arnold, N., Liebert, W., and Müllner, N.: Sicherheitstechnische Analyse und Risikobewertung von Konzepten zu Partitionierungs- und Transmutationsanlagen für hochradioaktive Abfälle, Report for the Federal Office for the Safety of Nuclear Waste Management, urn:nbn:de:0221-2021030826033 BASE-002/21, Institute of Safety and Risk Sciences, BOKU University Vienna, Berlin, 2021. a, b, c
Fu, X., Liu, Y., Zhou, H.-Y., Wang, C.-Z., Xiu, T.-Y., Xiao, Z., Tang, H.-B., Huang, Z.-W., Zhou, Z.-H., Yuan, L.-Y., Yan, Z.-Y., and Shi, W.-Q.: New clicked hydrophobic 2,9-bis-triazolyl-1,10-phenanthroline ligands used as extractants for actinide/lanthanide separation: Towards deep purification, J. Hazard. Mater., 495, 139085, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.139085, 2025. a
Gerstenberg, H. and Waschkowski, W.: FRM-II. A new reactor also for isotope production, Tech. rep., Australian Nuclear Association Inc., 1997. a
Houben, G., Esen, S., Groska, J., Stromer, F., and Andernat, M.: Umsetzungsstudie über eine beschleunigergetriebene Neutronenquelle am Standort eines ehemaligen Kernkraftwerks zwecks Produktion von Krebsmedikamenten, Fernwärme und geothermischer Energie sowie zur Entsorgung hochradioaktiver Abfälle, Tech. rep., Bundesagentur für Sprunginnovation, 2025. a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, k, l
Husson, J.-P. and de Montgolfier, P.: A Nuclear Amplifier for Energy for Electricity Production, Tech. rep., Essor Europe, Paris, France, 1999. a
IAEA: Spent Fuel Reprocessing Options, IAEA-TECDOC-1587, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria, 2008. a
IAEA: Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources, Iaea/codeoc/2004, rev. 2018, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria, 2018. a
Jameson, R., Lawrence, G., and Bowman, C.: Accelerator-Driven Transmutation Technology for Incinerating Radioactive Waste and for Advanced Application to Power Production, Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms, 68, 474–480, https://doi.org/10/bxfjgx, 1992. a
Kawarada, S.: The OMEGA Programme in Japan: A Base for International Cooperation, IAEA Bulletin, 3, 35–37, 1992. a
Kirchner, G., Englert, M., Pistner, C., Kallenbach-Herbert, B., and Neles, J.: Gutachten “Transmutation”, Gutachten für die kommission lagerung hoch radioaktiver abfälle, K-MAT 48, Öko-Institut e.V., Zentrum für Naturwissenschaft und Friedensforschung Universität Hamburg, Darmstadt/Hamburg, 2015. a, b
Kraev, K.: Finland completes key trial for world's first deep geological nuclear waste repository, https://www.nucnet.org/news/finland-completes-key-trial-for-world-s-first-deep-geological-nuclear-waste-repository-3-2-2025 (last access: 10 August 2026), 2025. a
Krásny, P. and Belko, B.: On LVR-15 Radioisotope Production Capabilities, Ann. Nucl. Energ., 214, 111184, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anucene.2025.111184, 2025. a
Kurata, Y., Takizuka, T., Osugi, T., and Takano, H.: The accelerator driven system strategy in Japan, J. Nucl. Mater., 301, 1–7, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0022-3115(01)00731-0, 2002. a
Lazard: Lazard Levelized Cost of Energy +, Tech. rep., https://www.lazard.com/media/eijnqja3/lazards-lcoeplus-june-2025.pdf (last access: 10 August 2026), 2025. a
Liebert, W., Bähr, R., Glaser, A., Hahn, L., and Pistner, C.: Fortgeschrittene Nuklearsysteme, Review Studie für den Schweizer Wissenschaftsrat, Technology Assessment TA 34/1999, IANUS, TU Darmstadt, 1999. a
Liu, B., Guo, X., Zhang, X., Liu, T., Lyu, X., Liu, F., and Han, R.: Electron accelerator driven subcritical system loaded with spent nuclear fuel, Radiat. Phys. Chem., 233, 112753, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radphyschem.2025.112753, 2025. a
Liu, Y., Sakasai, K., Sekiguti, T., Ilo, M., Suzuki, J., Yee-Rendon, B., and Nakamura, H.: J-Parc, Annual report, J-Parc, 2024. a
Logunov, M. V., Kozlov, P. V., Voroshilov, Y. A., Yumaguen, A. Z., Markov, D. V., I., S. A., and Tananaev, I. G.: Technologies for Recovering Valuable Elements from the Waste Generated and Stored at the Mayak Production Association, Radiochemistry, 68, 99–121, https://doi.org/10.1134/S1066362226020013, 2026. a
Lucia, U. and Grisolia, G.: Energy Amplifier Systems as Sustainable Nuclear Reactors: An Overview, Sustainability, 16, 2743, https://doi.org/10.3390/su16072743, 2024. a
Lyseid Authen, T., Adnet, J.-M., Bourg, S., Carrott, M., Ekberg, C., Galán, H., Geist, A., Guilbaud, P., Miguirditchian, M., Modolo, G., Rhodes, C., Wilden, A., and Taylor, R.: An overview of solvent extraction processes developed in Europe for advanced nuclear fuel recycling, Part 2 – homogeneous recycling, Sep. Sci. Technol., 57, 1724–1744, https://doi.org/10.1080/01496395.2021.2001531, 2022a. a
Lyseid Authen, T., Wilden, A., Schneider, D., Kreft, F., Modolo, G., StJ Foreman, M. R., and Ekberg, C.: Batch flowsheet test for a GANEX-type process: the CHALMEX FS-13 process, Solvent Extr. Ion Exc., 40, 189–202, https://doi.org/10.1080/07366299.2021.1890372, 2022b. a
Mansani, L., Artioli, C., Schikorr, M., Rimpault, G., Angulo, C., and Bruyn, D. D.: The European Lead-Cooled EFIT Plant: An Industrial-Scale Accelerator-Driven System for Minor Actinide Transmutation, Nucl. Technol., 180, 241–263, https://doi.org/10/ggkx83, 2012. a
Modolo, G., Vijgen, H., Serrano‐Purroy, D., Christiansen, B., Malmbeck, R., Sorel, C., and Baron, P.: DIAMEX Counter‐Current Extraction Process for Recovery of Trivalent Actinides from Simulated High Active Concentrate, Sep. Sci. Technol., 42, 439–452, https://doi.org/10.1080/01496390601120763, 2007. a
Mooz, W. E. and Siegel, S.: A comparisoin of the capital costs of light water reactor and liquid metal fast breeder reactor power plants, Tech. Rep. R-2441-ACDA, RAND, Santa Monica, CA, 1979. a
Moussa, J. R., Harmon, D., and Rane, S.: Industrial Radiography: Trends, Market Drivers, and Alternatives to Gamma-based Devices, Health Phys., 129, 174–183, https://doi.org/10.1097/HP.0000000000002016, 2025. a, b
myrrha aisbl/ivzw: About MYRRHA, https://www.myrrha.be/about-myrrha (last access: 27 March 2026), 2026a. a
myrrha aisbl/ivzw: Nuclear medicine by MYRRHA, https://www.myrrha.be/myrrha-applications/nuclear-medicine-myrrha (last access: 27 March 2026), 2026b. a
myrrha aisbl/ivzw: MYRRHA, https://www.myrrha.be/ (last access: 27 March 2026), 2026c. a
NEA: The Economics of the Back End of the Nuclear Fuel Cycle, Nea no. 7061, OECD Nuclear Energy Agency, OECD Publishing, Paris, France, ISBN 978-92-64-20852-0, 2013. a
NEA: State-of-the-art Report on the Progress of Nuclear Fuel Cycle Chemistry, Nuclear Science 7267, OECD Nuclear Energy Agency, OECD Publishing, Paris, France, ISBN 978-92-64-29854-5, https://doi.org/10.1787/9789264298545-en, 2018. a
NEA: The Supply of Medical Isotopes: An Economic Diagnosis and Possible Solutions, Tech. rep., OECD Nuclear Energy Agency, OECD Publishing, Paris, France, https://doi.org/10.1787/9b326195-en, 2019. a, b, c
NIRS: High-Level Radioactive Waste, Nuclear Information and Resource Service, https://www.nirs.org/radioactive-waste/hlw/ (last access: 27 March 2026), 2026. a
NRG PALLAS: About the Programme, https://www.nrgpallas.com/pallas-programme/about-the-programme (last access: 27 March 2026), 2026a. a
NRG PALLAS: PALLAS Programme, https://www.nrgpallas.com/pallas-programme (last access: 27 March 2026), 2026b. a
Pant, H. J., Bhardwaj, Y. K., and Pujari, P. K.: Applications of Radioisotopes and Radiation Technology in Industry: Current Status and Prospects, Current Science, 123, 377–387, https://doi.org/10.18520/cs/v123/i3/377-387, 2022. a, b
Pistner, C., Englert, M., von Hirschhausen, C., Böse, F., Steigerwald, B., and Gast, L.: Analysis and Evaluation of the Development Status, Safety and Regulatory Framework for So-Called Novel Reactor Concepts, Tech. rep., Federal Office for the Safety of Nuclear Waste Management, 2024. a, b, c, d, e, f
Ramana, M. V.: Technical and Social Problems of Nuclear Waste, Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Energy and Environment, 7, https://doi.org/10.1002/wene.289, 2018. a
Rubbia, C., Rubio, J. A., Buono, S., Carminati, F., Fiévet, N., Galvez, J., Gelés, C., Kadi, Y., Klapisch, A., Revol, J.-P., Roche, C., Rynn, K., Sannier, J., and Villard, L.: A Tentative Programme Towards a Full Scale Energy Amplifier, Tech. Rep. CERN/AT/95-44(ET), CERN, Geneva, Switzerland, 1995. a, b, c, d
Rubens, D.: Overview of the MYRRHA/MINERVA Project, Presentation, https://indico.cern.ch/event/1456158/contributions/6130813/attachments/2935418/5155756/2024-09-26 - CERN ZHAW & SCK-CEN Workshop - Overview of the MYRRHA_MINERVA project.pdf (last access: 27 March 2026), 2024. a
Salem, R. and Thurston, K. G.: Radioembolization with Yttrium-90 Microspheres: A State-of-the-Art Brachytherapy Treatment for Primary and Secondary Liver Malignancies, J. Vasc. Interv. Radiol., 17, 1571–1593, https://doi.org/10.1097/01.RVI.0000236744.34720.73, 2006. a
Salvatores, M.: Nuclear fuel cycle strategies including Partitioning and Transmutation, Nucl. Eng. Des., 235, 805–816, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nucengdes.2004.10.009, 2005. a
Sarotto, M., Castelliti, D., Fernandez, R., Lamberts, D., Malambu, E., Stankovskiy, A., Jaeger, W., Ottolini, M., Martin-Fuertes, F., Sabathé, L., Mansani, L., and Baeten, P.: The MYRRHA-FASTEF Cores Design for Critical and Sub-Critical Operational Modes (EU FP7 Central Design Team Project), Nucl. Eng. Des., 265, 184–200, https://doi.org/10/f5qdtr, 00039, 2013. a, b
Sasa, T.: Design of J-PARC Transmutation Experimental Facility, in: Nuclear Back-end and Transmutation Technology for Waste Disposal, edited by: Nakajima, K., 73–79, Springer Japan, Tokyo, ISBN 978-4-431-55110-2 978-4-431-55111-9, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-4-431-55111-9_8, 2015. a
Sasaki, Y., Kaneko, M., Ban, Y., Matsumiya, M., Nakase, M., and Takeshita, K.: Multi-stage extraction and separation of Ln and An using TODGA and DTBA or DTPA accompanying pH adjustment with lactic acid and ethylenediamine, Sep. Sci. Technol., 57, 2543–2553, https://doi.org/10.1080/01496395.2022.2080707, 2022. a
SCK CEN: MYRRHA Phase 1: MINERVA, https://www.sckcen.be/en/infrastructure/myrrha/myrrha-phase-1-minerva (last access: 27 March 2026), 2026. a
Stanculescu, A.: Accelerator Driven Systems (ADSs) for nuclear transmutation, Ann. Nucl. Energ., 62, 607–612, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anucene.2013.02.006, 2013. a
Synorah Systems: Strontium-90 Market Size, Revenue, Challenges & Trends, 2026–2033, https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/strontium-90-market-size-revenue-challenges-trends-26-33-b3afc (last access: 1 March 2026), 2026. a
Vandeplassche, D.: Overview of the MYRRHA Project, presentation in Massy-Palaiseau, Paris, France, 26 September, https://indico.cern.ch/event/145066/contributions/173769/ (last access: 10 August 2026), 2011. a
Wang, Y., Chen, D., Dos Santos Augusto, R., Liang, J., Qin, Z., Liu, J., and Liu, Z.: Production Review of Accelerator-Based Medical Isotopes, Molecules, 27, 5294, https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27165294, 2022. a
Wang, Z.-J., He, Y., Jia, H., Dou, W.-p., Chen, W.-l., Zhang, X., Liu, S.-h., Feng, C., Tao, Y., Wang, W.-s., Wu, J.-q., Zhang, S.-h., and Zhao, H.-W.: Beam commissioning for a superconducting proton linac, Phys. Rev. Accel. Beams, 19, 120101, https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevAccelBeams.19.120101, 2016. a
Weibezahn, J. and Steigerwald, B.: Fission for funds: The financing of nuclear power plants, Energy Policy, 195, 114382, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2024.114382, 2024. a
Wigeland, R. A., Bauer, T. H., Hill, R. N., and Stillman, J. A.: Impact on Geologic Repository Usage from Limited Actinide Recycle in Pressurized Light Water Reactors, J. Nucl. Sci. Technol., 44, 415–422, https://doi.org/10.1080/18811248.2007.9711303, 2007. a
Wilden, A., Lumetta, G. J., Sadowski, F., Schmidt, H., Schneider, D., Gerdes, M., Law, J. D., Geist, A., Bosbach, D., and Modolo, G.: An Advanced TALSPEAK Concept for Separating Minor Actinides. Part 2. Flowsheet Test with Actinide-spiked Simulant, Solvent Extr. Ion Exc., 35, 396–407, https://doi.org/10.1080/07366299.2017.1368945, 2017. a
Wilden, A., Schneider, D., Paparigas, Z., Henkes, M., Kreft, F., Geist, A., Mossini, E., Macerata, E., Mariani, M., Gullo, M. C., Casnati, A., and Modolo, G.: Selective actinide(III) separation using 2,6-bis[1-(propan-1-ol)-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl]pyridine (PyTri-Diol) in the innovative-SANEX process: laboratory scale counter current centrifugal contactor demonstration, Radiochim. Acta, 110, 515–525, https://doi.org/10.1515/ract-2022-0014, 2022. a
WNA: Fast Neutron Reactors, World Nuclear Association, https://world-nuclear.org/information-library/current-and-future-generation/fast-neutron-reactors (last access: 27 March 2026), 2021. a
WNN: Work starts on first phase of Myrrha, World Nuclear News, https://www.world-nuclear-news.org/articles/work-starts-on-first-phase-of-myrrha (last access: 27 March 2026), 2024. a
Xenofontos, T.: Development of a dynamic stochastic neutronic code for the analysis of conventional and hybrid nuclear reactors, Theses, Université Paris Saclay (COmUE), Université Aristote (Thessalonique, Grèce), https://pastel.hal.science/tel-01865831 (last access: 10 August 2026), 2018. a
Yan, X., Yang, L., Zhang, X., and Zhan, W.: Concept of an Accelerator-Driven Advanced Nuclear Energy System, Energies, 10, 944, https://doi.org/10.3390/en10070944, 2017. a
Yee-Rendón, B.: Overview of ADS Projects in the World, in: Proceedings of the 31st International Linear Accelerator Conference LINAC 2022, edited by: Peter, M., Graeme, B., Robert, A., and Schaa, V. R. W., JACoW Publishing, Geneva, Switzerland, ISBN 978-3-95450-215-8, https://doi.org/10.18429/JACOW-LINAC2022-TU2AA01, 2022. a
Zsabka, P., Wilden, A., Van Hecke, K., Modolo, G., Verwerft, M., and Cardinaels, T.: Beyond U/Pu separation: Separation of americium from the highly active PUREX raffinate, J. Nucl. Mater., 581, 154445, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnucmat.2023.154445, 2023. a
Short summary
Pretreatment of radioactive waste by partitioning and transmutation (P&T) in accelerator-driven systems (ADSs) has been mentioned as an approach to significantly reduce the requirements and risks associated with a – still necessary – final repository for decades. We show that the technological concept is still very much the same as the one proposed decades ago and discuss possible additional revenue from radioisotope production in transmutation facilities.
Pretreatment of radioactive waste by partitioning and transmutation (P&T) in accelerator-driven...
