The evolving nuclear fuel cycle-state of the cycle in 1993

The nuclear fuel cycle today is moving toward an indeterminate future, driven not only by traditional technical and economic considerations but by political and regulatory forces as well. Since these forces are turning the fuel cycle on its head, let us consider it in inverse order. This paper reviews the current status of the various elements of the fuel cycle including spent-fuel disposal; fuel fabrication; enrichment; conversion; and uranium resources.