Generation IV systems

Generation IV nuclear energy systems are future, next-generation technologies that will compete in all markets with the most cost-effective technologies expected to be available over the next three decades.

Comparative advantages include reduced capital cost, enhanced nuclear safety, minimal generation of nuclear waste, and further reduction of the risk of weapons materials proliferation. Generation IV systems are intended to be responsive to the needs of a broad range of nations and users.

The Generation IV systems selected by the GIF for further study are:

• Gas-cooled fast reactor (GFR)
  features a fast-neutron-spectrum, helium-cooled reactor and closed fuel cycle;
  
• Very-high-temperature reactor (VHTR)
  a graphite-moderated, helium-cooled reactor with a once-through uranium fuel cycle;
  
• Supercritical-water-cooled reactor (SCWR)
  a high-temperature, high-pressure, water-cooled reactor that operates above the thermodynamic critical point of water;
  
• Sodium-cooled fast reactor (SFR)
  features a fast-spectrum, sodium-cooled reactor and closed fuel cycle for efficient management of actinides and conversion of fertile uranium;
  
• Lead-cooled fast reactor (LFR)
  features a fast-spectrum, lead/bismuth eutectic liquid-metal-cooled reactor and a closed fuel cycle for efficient conversion of fertile uranium and management of actinides;
  
• Molten salt reactor (MSR)
  produces fission power in a circulating molten salt fuel mixture with an epithermal-spectrum reactor and a full actinide recycling fuel cycle.

These systems offer significant advances in sustainability, safety and reliability, economics, proliferation resistance and physical protection.

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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