The CEA and nuclear energy applications

With PWR reactors, CEA has applied a large part of its activities on steam generators, whilst other technical studies have involved components, maintenance, thermo-hydraulics, safety, materials, instrumentation apparatus and controls. For small light-water reactors, studies carried out have led to development of the Thermos Project: demonstrating the validity of urban heating derived from a pool-type reactor. Other studies have involved fast reactors (manufacture of fissile fuel assemblies, contributions toward the development of the Superphenix project and longer-term studies involving the overall breeder line). Finally, studies on the retreatment of irradiated fuels: aside from the retreatment of irradiated fuel programmes, CEA is pursuing its work on the TOR Project (large-scale pilot for retreatment of fast-neutron fuels)