26.08.2015   The Future of Nuclear Power

GFR (Gen IV)

The GCFR System is considered within the GIF programme (The US Generation IV Implementation Strategy, 2003; Figure 12.3). It is a good candidate for electricity

Table 12.4. Gas-cooled fast reactors

Reactor

Rating (MWe)

Country

GFR (Gen IV)

288

GIF members

ETGBR (old concept)

1320

UK

GCFR (old concept)

375

US

GBR 1 -4 (old concept)

1000-1200

Europe

Data from The US Generation IV Implementation Strategy (2003) and Squarer et al. (2001).

image060

Figure 12.3. Gas-cooled fast reactor. Source: NEA Annual Report (2002).

production as well as actinide management. It may also be a candidate for hydrogen production. It is based on a closed fuel cycle and therefore offers a more sustainable fuel cycle option. The reference plant is 288 MWe. However, it requires significant advances in fuel and materials.

The GFR is a logical progression from VHTR gas-cooled systems described above and earlier European and US gas reactor technology. It is therefore seen as a longer term deployment option.