Nuclear waste storage casks get new safety math for tip-over accidents

US nuclear regulators updated the safety rules for how spent nuclear fuel storage casks are evaluated during a tip-over accident. This means the company Holtec International can continue using its HI-STORM 100 system with new internal basket designs.

The rules for storing spent nuclear fuel are extremely strict, and any change to how safety is calculated can have long-term effects on operations. This update specifically addresses how the HI-STORM 100 system, a common dry storage cask, handles the stress of a tip-over when using newer internal components. It ensures that the safety analysis keeps pace with evolving designs for these critical storage containers.