Nuclear power: perspectives

This series of 5 short, popular articles presents the likely future of nuclear energy. EPR (European pressurized reactor) belongs to the third generation that is ready to be built, it has been designed to be more secure, more profitable (a 10% decrease on the kWh price is expected) and to rely massively on MOX fuels or plutonium fuels. Scientists and engineers work already on the definition of the fourth generation reactor. These reactors will be commissioned in 30 years and the tasks of nuclear energy will be probably extended: hydrogen production and seawater desalination will be added to electricity production. The fourth generation will be characterized by a better energy efficiency (+50% in comparison with present PWR-type reactors) due to higher operating temperatures (850 C or even 1000 C) and a direct cycle (the primary coolant will supply directly the turbine). 6 reactor types have been selected by the international forum ''Generation IV'', CEA (French atomic energy commission) is working on 2: GFR (gas cooled fast reactor) and GT-MHR (gas turbine-modular helium cooled reactor). (A.C.)