Nuclear Back End Webinar Series 4.5 - Using the BRIDE Decision Support Tool to find the Right Solution for Fissile Material Disposition

Research reactors are used by Member States for medical isotope production, education, research and development, materials testing, and other beneficial purposes.  A key challenge associated with operation of research reactors is the management of the spent fuel and fissile residuals, particularly the associated infrastructure and costs of disposition. As states move forward in determining the best option for management and disposition of these materials, there are also many non-economic factors to consider, such as environmental impact, availability of human resources, legal and regulatory readiness, and political and public support. The IAEA has developed a facilitated workshop that utilizes a Back-end Research reactor Integrated Decision-making Evaluation (BRIDE) tool to aid member states in determining the best approach to management of these materials for their situation. Using a team of experts and stakeholders, the workshop is designed to sort the many options, including assessment of both economic and non-economic factors, and result in a consensus recommendation on the best approach for that Member State to deal with their spent fuel and fissile materials. This recommendation can then be used to aid countries in their decision-making processes. This webinar will discuss the issues associated with the decision-making process and illustrate how the workshop can aid Member States in determining the best approach.