Current status of work on preservation of accumulated knowledge on fast reactors in Russia and plan of top-priority measures

The future of nuclear power is associated with mastering of fast reactor technology. Experience gained in Russia by now in the development of sodium cooled fast reactors (FR) and reactor plants of various applications is one of the most extensive and successful all over the world. Since the late 1940-ies up to now, well-directed, rather intensive work has been carried out in the USSR (later in Russia) on all aspects of fast reactors. Institute for Physics and Power Engineering has been always leading organization in the USSR and in Russia in the area of fast reactors. Work on fast reactors in Russia was carried out by many institutions, namely: IPPE, VNIINM, OKBM, VNIPIET, OKB Gidropress, RIAR, SPbAEP, TsNII Prometey and teams of the BN-350 and the BN-600 plants working in close and fruitful cooperation. Successful operation of the power unit of Beloyarskaya NPP with the BN-600 fast reactor during 25 years is one of the good results of this vast expensive efforts. In view of delay in wide-scale deployment of fast neutron reactors and change of generations of specialists in the area of FR, a necessity has arisen in the preservation of knowledge and experience on FR gained in many countries including Russia. Certain measures in this area have been planned by the Russian organizations. However, the necessity has become imminent in a purposeful systematized approach to the preservation of knowledge in fast reactor area, which can be realized only within the framework of development of appropriate special work program. The basic work trends within the framework of this program have been stated. In view of urgency of some part of this work, it is necessary to prioritize the work contents. IAEA assistance (methodological, organizational and financial) in the implementation of some sections of the program would facilitate successful implementation of the work program on preservation of knowledge on FR in Russia. (author)