China experimental fast reactor runs at full capacity

[cirr]

China experimental fast reactor runs at full capacity

2014-12-19 09:24

Xinhua Web Editor: Gu Liping
China's first sodium-cooled fast neutron reactor hit a milestone after operating at full capacity for 72 hours as of Thursday afternoon, a sign that China has fully mastered core technologies in fast reactor design.

Fast neutron reactors, also called fast reactors, use a closed nuclear fuel cycle to optimize uranium use and reduce waste.

"The achievement has laid a solid foundation for fast reactor technology development, commercialization and nuclear fuel cycle technology development," said Xu Dazhe, head of China Atomic Energy Authority and State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense.

Xu said further demonstrations should be carried out to hasten industrialization and commercialization of the reactors.

The development of fast reactors is the second of China's three-step nuclear energy program, with the aim of cutting China's reliance on fossil fuel burning. China also intends to make fast reactors one of the priorities in its nuclear energy development program.

The 65-megawatt experimental fast reactor is one of few fast reactors that has been grid connected. It can achieve 20 megawatt of capacity in electricity generation.

 

[war is peace]

Congrats. And may you see interesting times.

 

[Hyperion]

Amen. May we all live in interesting times!

Congrats. And may you see interesting times.

 

[Echo_419]

Amen. May wel all live in goo interesting times!

Indeed

 

[Lure]

China experimental fast reactor runs at full capacity

2014-12-19 09:24

Xinhua Web Editor: Gu Liping
China's first sodium-cooled fast neutron reactor hit a milestone after operating at full capacity for 72 hours as of Thursday afternoon, a sign that China has fully mastered core technologies in fast reactor design.

Fast neutron reactors, also called fast reactors, use a closed nuclear fuel cycle to optimize uranium use and reduce waste.

"The achievement has laid a solid foundation for fast reactor technology development, commercialization and nuclear fuel cycle technology development," said Xu Dazhe, head of China Atomic Energy Authority and State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense.

Xu said further demonstrations should be carried out to hasten industrialization and commercialization of the reactors.

The development of fast reactors is the second of China's three-step nuclear energy program, with the aim of cutting China's reliance on fossil fuel burning. China also intends to make fast reactors one of the priorities in its nuclear energy development program.

The 65-megawatt experimental fast reactor is one of few fast reactors that has been grid connected. It can achieve 20 megawatt of capacity in electricity generation.

Fast-Neutron Reactors are definitely a step forward in terms of radioactive toxic waste. However there are two drawbacks. First one is the construction and operating costs are much higher than traditionally used Thermal Reactors. I believe this is the issue that Chinese are expert, so if it used widespread in China the costs will be dramatically decreased.

However the second part is safety. The nuclear fuel you used in this type of reactors are much more enriched than the traditional Thermal Reactors. 4 times more enrichment rate, if I should be precise. This brings out more heat on the core which requires additional safety protocols. Because any accident -fingers crossed, God forbid- on those reactors would create something that is very close to an actual nuclear bomb. Therefore extreme caution is needed for operation on those reactors.

 

[JSCh]