The use of Uranium

Uranium is a natural element used by standard power reactors. When it is treated (or "enriched"), the concentration of a useful isotope is increased. As such, uranium is a weakly radioactive natural element.

Fission and the creation of Plutonium

In the reactor, a very small fraction of the material is consumed to produce energy. During the fission process, by-products such as Plutonium are created.

Nuclear Fuel treatment

Once used nuclear fuel is taken out of the reactor:

• It is stored (for intermediate time before very long term disposal); or
• It is reprocessed (chemically treated) to:
• Recycle the Uranium so that it can be re-used as it is a valuable resource;
• Isolate the Plutonium, which can itself be used in a power reactor;
• Remove radiotoxic fission by-products and concentrate them in a minimal volumne.