Frequently asked questions: Generation IV concepts
There must be many possible advanced reactor designs ... Why is the GIF looking at only six of these?
GIF has examined as many as 130 proposed concepts and has narrowed the selection to six generic concepts. These concepts differ mainly in the choice of neutron spectrum and coolant. In principle, both uranium and thorium fuels may be accommodated in these six concepts, though uranium is preferred today for historical reasons since much more operational experience has been accumulated with uranium than thorium. Read more...
On what basis were the six systems chosen for the R&D phase?
The six systems currently being investigated were selected, by an international group of experts, from more than 130 proposed concepts and designs by comparison against a series of quantitative criteria. Aspects as sustainability, economics, safety, proliferation resistance and physical protection have all been considered. Further qualitative criteria such as possible uses, R&D costs and deployment time horizon were used to narrow the selection still further. Read more...
Will the six systems be safer than existing systems? Will the six systems be cheaper to run than existing systems?
Two of the stated goals for Generation IV nuclear energy systems are that "Generation IV nuclear energy systems operations will excel in safety and reliability" and "Generation IV nuclear energy systems will have a clear life-cycle cost advantage over other energy sources". In both aspects, the most performing current advanced Light Water Reactors of Generation III were taken as the standard to be equalled or surpassed. Read more...
What inherent aspects of the systems under development will guard against nuclear proliferation?
The Generation IV goal regarding proliferation resistance states that Generation IV nuclear energy systems will increase the assurance that they are a very unattractive and least desirable route for diversion or theft of weapons-usable material. To achieve this, current physical and administrative monitoring, control and security measures will be maintained and non-proliferating nuclear fuel cycles will be introduced (no separation of individual actinides, reprocessing on the NPP site). Read more...
Will all six systems be ready for industrial deployment by 2030? When will the first prototype reactor be built? By whom? Is the intention to exploit all six of these Generation IV reactor types on a commercial basis?
The six systems face different technical challenges to reach industrial maturity and accordingly have different time schedules. Industrial deployment is foreseen by year 2030 at the earliest for the most advanced systems. Read more...
What is the difference between the fast neutron reactors developed in the past, and those to be developed within the Gen-IV framework?
The fast reactors to be developed within the Gen-IV framework should be economically competitive, as safe as the best Light Water Reactors (LWRs) and able to burn all the actinides produced by either LWRs or the fast reactors themselves. However, fast reactors developed in the past were prototypes focussing mainly on breeding capability. Alternatives to the classical sodium-cooled concept should also be explored. Read more...
Watch an Introduction to Generation IV Nuclear Energy Systems and the International Forum (requires Adobe Flash Player, or download in pdf format, 1.2 mb)
Download an Overview of the GIF (pdf, 161 kb)
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