Myrrha, new polyvalent research reactor

Myrrha (Multi-purpose hybrid research reactor for high-tech applications) is the first prototype of sub-critical nuclear reactor driven by a particle accelerator (an ADS, accelerator-driven system) at semi-industrial scale (50-100 MW), a safe and easy-to-control technology. In an interview, the manager of this project recalls his curriculum, presents and comments the characteristics of Myrrha, outlines why these ADS are so interesting to produce radio-isotopes, comments the variety of countries and companies involved in this project, outlines the peculiarities of Myrrha in terms of safety and the main technological challenges (a mixing of lead and bismuth for the coolant, control of corrosion by oxygen, an improved reliability based on redundant design and fault tolerance, MOX as fuel). He also evokes competing technologies