FAQ - Gen IV Systems Design, Benefits and Challenges

Presentations
Updated on 02/12/2024

This FAQ page provides first answers to key questions about Generation IV (Gen IV) nuclear reactors, highlighting their differences from current reactors, cost-effectiveness, and energy efficiency. It delves into the potential of Gen IV reactors to use spent nuclear fuel and the nature of their waste products, including storage solutions. The page also explores how Gen IV designs aim to reduce nuclear proliferation risks. Additionally, it addresses the benefits and challenges of using various coolants—such as sodium, molten lead, molten salt, gas, and supercritical water—in Gen IV reactors, including the availability of helium for gas-cooled designs. Lastly, it assesses the risk of severe accidents in Gen IV reactors and the potential role of thorium in the nuclear fuel cycle.

To learn more about these topics we invite you to read the GIF reports and webinars and to consult the GIF Generation IV Systems pages. 

The questions covered in this FAQ page are the following:

  1. How are Gen IV reactors different from reactors operating today?
  2. How much will it cost to operate a Gen IV reactor compared to current nuclear plants?
  3. How energy efficient are Gen IV designs compared to previous reactor generations?
  4. Will Gen IV reactors be able to operate on spent nuclear fuel?
  5. What are the waste products from Gen IV fuels? How will they be stored?
  6. How will Gen IV reactors reduce nuclear proliferation risks?
  7. What are the benefits and challenges involved with using sodium as a reactor coolant?
  8. What are the benefits and challenges involved with using molten lead as a reactor coolant?
  9. What are the benefits and challenges involved with using molten salt as a reactor coolant?
  10. What are the benefits and challenges involved with using gas as a reactor coolant?
  11. Is sufficient helium available to meet the increased demand such reactors would create?
  12. What are the benefits and challenges involved with using supercritical water as a reactor coolant?
  13. What is the risk of a severe accident resembling Chernobyl or Fukushima in a Gen IV design?
  14. What about the use of Thorium in the nuclear fuel cycle?