The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has unveiled a new interactive global map that provides the most comprehensive public database yet on the world’s spent nuclear fuel. The tool reveals that nuclear power plants across the globe have generated an estimated 448,000 tonnes (around 4.94 lakh US tons) of spent nuclear fuel, highlighting the growing challenge of safely managing radioactive waste as countries continue expanding nuclear energy.
Interactive Tool Shows Where Nuclear Waste Is Stored
The newly launched Global Spent Nuclear Fuel Inventory Tool compiles data submitted by countries under international nuclear safety agreements. It allows users to explore where spent nuclear fuel is stored, how much has been reprocessed and which storage methods are being used worldwide. The initiative aims to improve transparency and provide policymakers, researchers and the public with a clearer understanding of global nuclear waste management.
According to the IAEA, about 322,000 tonnes of spent fuel remain in storage, while approximately 126,000 tonnes have already been reprocessed to recover reusable materials for new nuclear fuel. Reprocessing helps reduce both uranium demand and the volume of high level radioactive waste requiring long term disposal.
Wet and Dry Storage Remain the Main Methods
The agency data shows that around 41% of the world’s spent nuclear fuel is stored in water filled cooling pools where fuel assemblies are cooled after being removed from reactors. Another 31% is kept in dry storage systems including reinforced concrete casks, metal containers, and specially designed storage facilities that safely contain radioactive materials without relying on water for cooling.
Among dry storage technologies ventilated vertical storage units account for the largest share, storing more than 50,000 tonnes of spent fuel globally. Many countries have gradually shifted older fuel from wet storage to dry storage over recent decades to improve safety and free up reactor storage capacity.
Long term Disposal Remains a Global Challenge
Although nuclear energy produces very low carbon emissions during electricity generation, managing spent fuel remains one of the industry’s biggest long term challenges. Used nuclear fuel continues to emit heat and radiation for decades, requiring secure storage and eventual disposal for thousands of years.
Several countries are developing permanent underground disposal facilities with Finland preparing to operate the world’s first deep geological repository for spent nuclear fuel. The IAEA says the new inventory tool will support informed discussions and international cooperation as more nations consider nuclear energy to meet climate goals while ensuring radioactive waste is managed safely for future generations.