ABSTRACT
Internationalization of fuel cycle facilities is one of the best proposals for strengthening the non-proliferation regime while realizing nuclear power benefits for a great number of nations. However, unless it is borne in mind that the strongest motivation for an extensive commitment to nuclear power is energy independence, efforts could be counter-productive. For example, if enrichment technology were to be placed permanently beyond national control, nations seeking independence would tend to opt for HWRs, which present greater proliferation problems than LWRs. Thus, instead of indiscriminate insistence on internationalization of all fuel cycle facilities, the emphasis should be on preventing the establishment of further national reprocessing plants, and the development of a proliferation-resistant enrichment technology should be encouraged.
