The scientific and technical point of view and the development strategy
Description
The physical principle of the fast neutron reactor makes it possible to utilize the entire energy which is potentially contained in the uranium extracted from the soil, while power stations based on weakly enriched uranium utilize only approximately 1%. For about 25 years a program has been carried on with continuity, regularity and progressive results to develop a model of a fast reactor power station of commercial size along the landmarks of the installations of Rapsodie, Phenix, Super Phenix and the associated facilities of the fuel cycle (plutonium fuel processing and fuel retreatment). This article describes the research and development work which has been carried out on these lines and gives details of the technological and economic orientation which would possibly arrive at a cost per kWh comparable to that of the pressurized water reactors
Abstract (French)
Le principe physique des reacteurs a neutrons rapides rend possible l'utilisation de toute l'energie potentiellement contenue dans l'uranium extrait du sol, alors que les centrales a uranium faiblement enrichi n'en utilisent qu'environ 1%. Depuis environ 25 ans, un programme a ete mene avec continuite, regularite et progressivite pour mettre au point un modele de centrale a neutrons rapides de taille commerciale, jalonne par les realisations de Rapsodie, Phenix, Super Phenix et les installations associees du cycle du combustible (fabrication du combustible au plutonium et retraitement du combustible). On decrit les recherches et developpements conduits dans cette voie et precise l'orientation technologique et economique qui permettrait d'aboutir a un cout du kilowatt-heure comparable a celui des reacteurs a eau sous pressionAdditional details
Additional titles
- Original title (French)
- Point de vue scientifique et technique et strategie de developpement
- Augmented title (English)
- fast reactors
Publishing Information
- Journal Title
- Ann. Mines
- Journal Volume
- 191
- Journal Issue
- 1
- Series
- Ann. Mines.
- Journal Page Range
- 5-12
- ISSN
- 0003-4282
INIS
- Country of Publication
- France
- Country of Input or Organization
- France
- INIS RN
- 15053600
- Subject category
- S21: SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS; S29: ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY AND ECONOMY;
- Descriptors DEI
- ECONOMIC ANALYSIS; ENERGY POLICY; FBR TYPE REACTORS; FRANCE; NUCLEAR INDUSTRY; PLUTONIUM; REVIEWS; URANIUM
- Descriptors DEC
- ACTINIDES; BREEDER REACTORS; DEVELOPED COUNTRIES; DOCUMENT TYPES; ELEMENTS; EPITHERMAL REACTORS; EUROPE; FAST REACTORS; INDUSTRY; METALS; REACTORS; TRANSURANIUM ELEMENTS