IAEA International Conference to explore fast reactors and related fuel cycles

Around 700 nuclear engineers, experts and decision makers from more than 30 countries will gather to exchange information on developments and experiences related to fast-neutron systems, which can greatly improve the sustainability of nuclear power and contribute to a significant reduction in generated nuclear waste.

Fast reactors, which use fast neutrons without a moderator to sustain the fission chain reaction, are vastly more efficient than traditional thermal reactors. Capable of breeding and recycling nuclear fuel, fast reactors can produce 60 to 70 times more energy from natural uranium. They can also reduce the volume and radiotoxicity of waste, easing the burden on geological repositories for final disposal.

There are currently two fast reactors operating at Beloyarsk, near Yekaterinburg, as well as experimental ones in China and India. Prototypes are under development and construction in other countries. Challenges to the development of fast-neutron systems include higher costs for investments, operations and maintenance.

The conference, hosted by the Government of the Russian Federation through State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom, is the third such international event after editions in Kyoto, Japan (2009), and Paris, France (2013). It will explore issues including reactor design concepts, safety and licensing, operations and decommissioning, fuels and fuel-cycle options, coolants, tests and simulations, economics and performance, proliferation resistance and physical protection, and professional development.

The conference also showcases the competition Next Generation Nuclear Systems: The Force Awakens, for which nuclear scientists aged 36 and under from around the world submitted research papers. The winners will be announced at a special event on the last day of the conference.

Source: www.justearthnews.com