Gas cooled reactor experience and programs in France

The state of development of natural uranium graphite gas-cooled reactors in France is discussed and operating results are given. The current program based on electricity generating high temperature reactors is then described. For the future, the program has been oriented towards heat producing applications of HTR's and is aimed at steam production F or industry and nuclear gasification of coal. Both these projects are considered. Finally the energy balance in France for 1976 and for the future is examined to demonstrate the need for nuclear heat. (U.K.)