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Six Generation IV technology concepts selected for R&D
The Generation IV Nuclear Energy Systems Initiative within the Department of Energy's (DOE's) Office of Nuclear Energy is the U.S. contribution to an international effort to develop next-generation nuclear energy technologies.
Generation IV nuclear energy systems aim to reduce capital cost, enhance nuclear safety, minimize the generation of nuclear waste, and further reduce the risk of weapons materials proliferation. Generation IV systems are intended to be responsive to the needs of a broad range of nations and users.
The Generation IV International Forum (GIF), which consists of more than 100 experts from 10 countries and international organizations, collaborated on a comprehensive evaluation of nuclear energy concepts and selected the most promising ones as candidates for next-generation nuclear energy systems. The issuance of A Technology Roadmap for Generation IV Nuclear Energy Systems in December 2002 documents this evaluation process and identifies the six Generation IV systems selected. For these systems, detailed research and development plans were developed for establishing technical and commercial viability, demonstration, and potential commercialization. GIF members believe developing these concepts will achieve long-term benefits for nuclear energy worldwide.
The Generation IV Systems selected in 2002 are:
- Very-High-Temperature Reactor (VHTR): a graphite-moderated, helium-cooled reactor with a once-through uranium fuel cycle
- Supercritical-Water-Cooled Reactor (SCWR): a high-temperature, high-pressure water-cooled reactor that operates above the thermodynamic critical point of water
- Gas-Cooled Fast Reactor (GFR): features a fast-neutron-spectrum, helium-cooled reactor and closed fuel cycle
- Lead-Cooled Fast Reactor (LFR): features a fast-spectrum lead of lead/bismuth eutectic liquid metal-cooled reactor and a closed fuel cycle for efficient conversion of fertile uranium and management of actinides
- Sodium-Cooled Fast Reactor (SFR): features a fast-spectrum, sodium-cooled reactor and closed fuel cycle for efficient management of actinides and conversion of fertile uranium
- Molten Salt Reactor (MSR): produces fission power in a circulating molten salt fuel mixture with an epithermal-spectrum reactor and a full actinide recycle fuel cycle
In 2006, the Senate Appropriations Committee encouraged DOE to give priority consideration to fast spectrum reactor technologies and requested a report on the progress of fast spectrum reactor technology development. The U.S. Generation IV Fast Reactor Strategy was issued in December 2006, and includes a comparative analysis on the GFR, LFR and SFR systems in the areas of technical readiness and operating experience. This analysis resulted in the selection of the SFR as the most viable option for near term deployment of a fast reactor.
See also the Gen IV Deliverables
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