Overview of IAEA Activities in Support of Fast Reactors Development and Deployment & Objectives of this Meeting

FRs in a closed fuel cycle represent the only available nuclear technology able to guarantee the full sustainability of nuclear energy (virtually unlimited natural resources of nuclear fuel and drastic reduction of the requirements of the geological repository). FR technology has been brought to high level of maturity by the design, construction and operation of several experimental, demonstrative and power fast reactors worldwide. The largest experience is for SFR with oxide and metal fuel. Safety features of FRs are rather different compared to thermal reactors due to the fast spectrum and the different plant configuration. Reactivity effects play an important role in the design of innovative FRs: they represent the first safety system provided by the intrinsic physical configuration of the core. IAEA is supporting Member States representing a platform to share knowledge and identify technology gaps and R&D needs. Within the TWG-FR, different CRPs aimed at the improvement of FR safety design have been carrying out