Which future for 3. and 4. generation reactors?

After having briefly recalled some characteristics of energy producing nuclear reactors by presenting their three main components (fuel, heat transfer fluid, moderator), and outlined that about twenty types of reactors have been historically tested as prototypes in the USA, Russia, UK and France, the author addresses third generation reactors. He states that these reactors do not display an important technological break with respect to PWRs which are presently exploited in France, but that technical advances are such that one can say they belong to a new generation. He states that the EPR (European pressurized reactor) is amongst the best reactors presently on the market. He outlines its technological advances: safety, increased containment, performance, adaptation to various fuel types, availability, reduction of workers exposure, easier maintenance). Of course, the author evokes construction delays and costs for the Finnish and French reactors. Then, he addresses fourth-generation reactors which comprise six types of system: supercritical water reactors, very high temperature reactors (for non electricity generation applications), and four fast neutron systems. These systems have already been experimented in the past and some will be operated in India and Russia. However, due to the relatively low price of uranium and to the high level of uranium reserves, these fast breeders are not really needed on the short or on the medium term. The author outlines France's commitment in the field of fast breeders