Recent progress of Gas Fast Reactor program

The GFR concept aims to combine the benefits of fast spectrum and high temperature (at least 850oC), using helium as coolant. The paper first recalls the design choices (fuel, core, primary system, DHR means) and then presents the progress of the safety analysis. The selection of situations considered for the deterministic safety analysis is given (DBA and DEC) as well as the corresponding acceptance criteria. All the plant transients (about 30 cases) have been simulated using the CATHARE 2 computer code. The main results are given and analysed. A simplified PSA analysis was performed too. This preliminary analysis, as deep as it has been carried out up to now, pointed out that the current design allows the decay heat to be removed in any accidental situations. Preliminary consideration on severe accidents are presented. (author)