This article discusses the application of separation technologies, in parti
cular solvent extraction and ion exchange in the uranium nuclear fuel cycle
. The history and decisions in selecting the technology are briefly discuss
ed. The global trends in the energy sector are reviewed and the impact of o
ther energy sources on the nuclear power industry both now and in the futur
e is described. The effect of over capacity in uranium mining and milling,
UOC refining and uranium enrichment on the development of new technology is
a key feature of this article. Although over capacity is not the case with
irradiated fuel reprocessing, other constraints limit the development of n
ew technology and/or process improvements. The environmental considerations
of all stages of the uranium nuclear fuel cycle will require better proces
s technology and it is this key balance between the environmental and econo
mic considerations that constitute a key component of this article. Some ne
w solvent extraction processes that may offer a way forward to the segregat
ion of actinides from highly active waste, integrated technologies and non
aqueous systems are discussed.