Disposing of the world's excess plutonium

Abstract

We undertake three key objectives in addressing the issue of plutonium disposition at the end of the Cold War. First, we estimate the total global inventory of plutonium both from weapons dismantlement and civil nuclear power reactors. Second, we review past and current policy toward handling this metal by the United States, Russia, and other key countries. Third, we evaluate the feasibility of several options (but especially the vitrification and mixed oxide fuel options announced by the Clinton administration) for disposing of the increasing amounts of plutonium available today. To undertake this analysis, we consider both the political and scientific problems confronting policymakers in dealing with this global plutonium issue. Interview data with political and technical officials in Washington and at the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna, Austria, and empirical inventory data on plutonium from a variety of sources form the basis of our analysis.