Integrated assessment of tritium releases from fission and fusion energy systems and their environmental implications

Abstract

Tritium is a naturally occurring radioactive isotope of hydrogen; a low-energy beta emitter with its health significance through internal exposure. The anticipated deployment of fusion energy systems is expected to increase tritium production significantly. Here we present an integrated assessment of tritium generation, release pathways, and resulting environmental concentrations across existing and emerging nuclear technologies. We first compile a comprehensive database of tritium production and releases from monitoring reports and literature. Analysis of light-water-reactor operating data shows that tritium discharge levels and release pathways are governed mainly by plant-specific strategies rather than reactor power or design parameters. This pattern reflects industry operating practices and efforts, with releases remaining well below regulatory limits. Our synthesis further indicates that FLiBe-based (Li2BeF4) systems may increase tritium production and mobility through enhanced permeation of tritiated hydrogen, although mitigation strategies are available to further limit emissions. Environmental transport modeling suggests that, under appropriate siting conditions, resulting tritium concentrations remain below regulatory thresholds. Furthermore, comparative risk analysis indicates that the associated carcinogenic impacts are expected to be lower than those from fossil-fuel-based power generation. Together, these findings demonstrate the importance of a comprehensive monitoring framework for contextualizing and managing routine effluent releases across energy systems.