Advancing Nuclear Energy: Science and Engineering Solutions for the Future

💡Sandia National Laboratories leads in providing research and analysis for the safe and secure management of nuclear energy.

🌍There is international consensus on the need to permanently isolate spent nuclear fuel from the environment through deep geologic disposal.

🔬Sandia studies the aging and corrosion of spent nuclear fuel storage canisters to ensure long-term safety and security.

🚚Transportation and handling of spent nuclear fuel are important factors considered by Sandia to ensure safe storage and transportation.

🏛️Sandia works with policy decisions and the integration of sustainable solutions to address nuclear energy challenges.

What is the role of Sandia National Laboratories in the nuclear fuel cycle?

—Sandia leads in providing research and analysis for the safe and secure management of nuclear energy, including the storage, transportation, and disposal of spent nuclear fuel.

How does Sandia ensure the long-term safety and security of spent nuclear fuel?

—Sandia studies the aging and corrosion of spent nuclear fuel storage canisters and considers transportation, handling, and geologic disposal to ensure long-term safety and security.

What is the international consensus on the management of spent nuclear fuel?

—There is international consensus that the best way to manage spent nuclear fuel is to permanently isolate it from the environment through deep geologic disposal.

What is the focus of Sandia's research on nuclear energy challenges?

—Sandia focuses on the successful deployment of advanced reactors, security systems for nuclear facilities, and the integration of sustainable solutions in the nuclear energy sector.

Why is Sandia considered a trusted source for science and engineering assessments?

—Sandia has decades of experience, conducts research using solid science and engineering principles, and strives to communicate results clearly and transparently.

00:05Sylvia Salstein leads the nuclear fuel cycle Technologies program at Sandia National Laboratories.

00:15Electricity generation from commercial nuclear power plants in the United States began in 1958 and currently provides nearly 20% of our electricity and more than half of our carbon-free energy.

00:39Since the 1950s, the United States has generated enough spent nuclear fuel to fill one football field 30 ft high.

01:00Sandia provides science and engineering research for spent nuclear fuel storage, transportation, security safeguards, and disposal.

01:25Sandia has teamed up with other labs, universities, and companies to develop the license application for Yucca Mountain.

02:48Sandia utilizes 50 years of experience in informing policy decisions and leading the development of sustainable solutions in the nuclear energy sector.