Nuclear proponents reviving interest in safer, efficient gas-cooled reactors

The U.S. and several industrialized countries are renewing their interest in gas-cooled reactors, which burn fuel more efficiently and are less likely to experience a loss of coolant than light-water reactors. Helium coolant temperatures of 7000C (compared to 3000 for water) means that heat will be available for nearby industries and, because the gas remains inert at hot temperatures, corrosion and hydrodynamic problems can be avoided. Heat-resistant materials to meet the reactor's requirements are still being tested, however. An efficiency of 50% and higher can be achieved if a topping-cycle gas turbine is added. Several application possibilities are noted, as well as the added attraction that gas-cooled reactors can be adapted to thorium fuel and a breeder version. Twenty-seven million dollars will be spent in each of the next two years for helium-coolant reactor research and development