Approach to safety for the European fast reactor (EFR)

In Western Europe all efforts for the development of commercial breeder reactor power plants, formerly represented by programs related to CDFR, SNR 2 and SPX 2, have been merged into work for the next European fast reactor (EFR). This process of integration includes supplier industries, R and D institutions and utilities. work of EFR is underway on all levels of participation and will continue for some years. Concerning safety requirements special emphasis is given to the development of passively operating safety systems, i.e. the safety graded decay heat removal system, and on the adequate use of efficient measured for accident prevention. Both routes will ensure that the generic features of the low pressure sodium system will come to work and guarantee a high level of inherent safety of the plant. The paper gives a detailed description of the actual status of work with main emphasis on those safety systems which ensure reactor shut down, decay heat removal and containment of radioactivity