Design features of Advanced Sodium Cooled Fast Reactors with Emphasis on Economics

New incentives have recently been given by French authorities to promote the development of advanced fast reactors and fuel re-cycle options. Priority is given to Sodium-cooled Fast Reactors (SFR) on which a significant experience exists. The objective of current R and D program carried out in tight collaboration between CEA, AREVA and EDF is to propose SFR concept(s) including innovative technologies and assess the associated industrial viability by 2012. The objective is also to propose the specification of a prototype that would qualify whole or part of the most promising selected options and demonstrate SFR capability for minor actinides transmutation. An overall specification was established by EDF for future Commercial SFRs. The targets for such SFRs will be the same as those for contemporary LWR as regards availability factor, design life, maintenance, safety and electricity generation cost (investment + operation + fuel cycle). In addition, outstanding performances as regards energy resources sustainability are requested. The risk on investment must also be reduced, through adequate inspection and repair capabilities, and through a satisfactory public acceptance. Proliferation Resistance and Plant Protection measures are also required. The present paper gives an overview of R and D orientations and efforts made to increase the SFR attractiveness, in line with preceding objectives. (author)