Generation 4 - nuclear reactors and an approach to secure public acceptance and access to energy for everyone

The aim of this paper is to bring the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor (PBMR) and a few interesting Light Water Passive nuclear reactor designs under your attention. The PBMR is under further development in South Africa and Asia. The philosophy behind the PBMR concept has been to develop a nuclear reactor which is so safe that it could be called inherently safe. Its concept is so completely different, see figure 2, that it can easily pass strictest safety regulations. Consequently it is a good Generation IV candidate. Good promotion of the gas-turbine direct cycle PBMR design is a main task to the nuclear technology and industry and could be the challenge that the young generation needs to consider a career in nuclear technology. (authors)