Russian plutonium policy Original Research Article

This paper is intended to provide more detail on the main features of Russian strategy of utilization of both the civilian and weapons-grade plutonium. At present, the Russian Federation has a large stock of plutonium and at the same time some scientific, technological and industrial experience in the utilization of plutonium, in particular in fast reactors. The key elements of Russian plutonium policy are the interim secure storage and plutonium disposition in nuclear reactors. The disposition options being discussed are the following: BN-type reactors, VVERs, and HTGR. It is shown that the utilization of weapons-grade plutonium, for a number of reasons, should begin using the reactors currently in operation. The importance of broad international cooperation for a safe and effective management of weapons plutonium designated as no longer required for defense purposes has been stressed.