Is There A Difference Between Spent Nuclear Fuel And Used Nuclear Fuel?
There is no substantive difference; the difference is in name only. Some people do not like to use the term “spent nuclear fuel” (SNF) because it implies that the fuel is “spent” when it has energy remaining in it that could be recovered and reused in another reactor; thus, the preference of some is to use the term “used nuclear fuel” (UFS). By highlighting that the fuel is not “spent” but “used,” it raises awareness that there is energy remaining in the fuel.
