The next generation of CANDU reactor: evolutionary economics

AECL has developed the design for a next generation of CANDUR plants by applying a set of enabling technologies to well-established successful CANDU features from the CANDU 6 Reactors in service and the design of the CANDU 9. Advances made in the construction of the Wolsong reactors have been built upon in the current project in China. The basis for the new design is to evolve from the current CANDU units by replicating or adapting existing components for a new core design. Using slightly enriched uranium fuel, a core with light water coolant, and heavy water moderator and reflector has been defined, based on the existing CANDU fuel channel module. This paper summarizes the main features and characteristics of the reference next-generation CANDU design. The progress of the next generation of CANDU design program in meeting challenging cost, schedule and performance targets is described. AECL's cost reduction methodology is summarized as an integral part of the design optimization process. Examples of cost reduction features are given, together with enhancement of design margins