Since the SMART fuel is almost identical to the 17 X 17 standard PWR fuel except for its height, the fuel-handling equipment of SMART is similar to that of the commercial PWRs, which are currently operating in the Republic of Korea. Fuel­handling equipment provides for the safe handling of fuel assemblies and control rod assemblies (CRAs) under all specified conditions and for the required assembly, disassembly and storage of reactor vessel head and internals during refueling.

The principal design criteria specify the following:

• fuel is inserted, removed and transported in a safe manner;

• sub-criticality is maintained in all operations.

Near-term management of used fuel would be improved through the large spent fuel storage pool located in the secured fuel building for the reactors lifetime.