U.S. Generation IV Priorities
Five of the six technology concepts identified in the Technology Roadmap are being pursued at varying levels of effort based on their technology status and potential to meet program and national goals. Two are thermal neutron spectrum systems (Very-High-Temperature Reactor (VHTR) and Supercritical-Water-Cooled Reactor (SCWR)) with coolants and temperatures that enable hydrogen or electricity production with high efficiency, and three are fast neutron spectrum systems (Gas-Cooled (GFR), Lead-Cooled (LFR), and Sodium-Cooled (SFR) fast reactors) that will enable more effective management of actinides through recycling of most components in the discharged fuel. The U.S. is not currently researching the molten salt reactor (MSR).
DOE-NE Strategic Goals
While the Department is supporting research on several reactor concepts, priority is being given to the VHTR, a system compatible with advanced electricity and hydrogen electricity generation capabilities. The VHTR concept is being pursued in the United States as the next generation nuclear plant (NGNP) in accordance with the Energy Policy Act of 2005.The emphasis on VHTR reflects its potential for economically and safely producing electricity and hydrogen at high efficiency without emitting noxious gases. This fits within the medium-term Administration goals of enhancing the security of our energy supply and doing so in an environmentally responsible manner. Fuel cycle options for the VHTR (a thermal-spectrum reactor) are more limited than for fast-spectrum reactors. Fast-spectrum reactors are a potential component in our long-term energy solution and, as such, are researched at a lower level of activity than the other reactor concepts. Their mission strengths result from their superior ability to burn recycled nuclear fuel. Closing the fuel cycle by recycling will reduce quantity and radiotoxicity of nuclear waste and increase uranium fuel utilization.
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