Effectiveness of source term optimization for higher disposal density of spent fuels in a deep geological repository.

Highlights: [•] In the past, a disposal system was developed using a conservative reference spent fuel. [•] ASOURCE was used to exclude conservativeness in source terms of spent fuels. [•] Respective source terms of spent fuels were considered in a disposal system design. [•] Benefits were evaluated in terms of footprint reduction of a repository. [•] As a result, the footprint was decreased up to a roughly 50% [Copyright &y& Elsevier]