The standing of gas-cooled reactors

There has been interest in gas-cooled reactors in a number of countries since the earliest studies of nuclear power. Gas cooling has many virtues but because the design can take so many different forms, no single strong line of gas-cooled reactor has emerged world-wide. The HTR just missed its opportunity for commercialization in the mid-1970s, but is seen still to have great potential for more advanced applications in the longer term. In Britain the Magnox reactors have given a very satisfying performance. The first of the AGR stations are now beginning to overcome their teething troubles, and there is good reason for quiet optimism in their success. (author)