Generation IV (Gen IV) reactors are nuclear reactor design technologies that are envisioned as successors of generation III reactors. The Generation IV International Forum (GIF) – an international organization that coordinates the development of generation IV reactors – specifically selected six reactor technologies as candidates for generation IV reactors.[1][2] The designs target improved safety, sustainability, efficiency, and cost. The first commercial Gen IV plants are not expected before 2040–2050,[3] although the World Nuclear Association in 2015 suggested that some might enter commercial operation before 2030.[4] Meanwhile, Generation V reactors are purely theoretical and are not yet considered feasible. The majority of reactors in operation around the world are considered second generation and third generation reactor systems, as the majority of the first generation systems have been retired.
Overview
editNo precise definition of a Generation IV reactor exists. The term refers to nuclear reactor technologies under development as of approximately 2000, and whose designs intended to represent 'the future shape of nuclear energy', at least at that time.[5] The six designs selected were: the gas-cooled fast reactor (GFR), the lead-cooled fast reactor (LFR), the sodium-cooled fast reactor (SFR), the molten salt reactor (MSR), the super critical water-cooled reactor (SCWR) and the very high temperature reactor (VHTR).[1][2]
The most developed Gen IV reactor design is the liquid sodium fast reactor (SFR). It has received the greatest share of funding that supports demonstration facilities. Potentially having the greatest inherent safety of the six models, according to Moir and Teller, is the less developed molten salt reactor.[6][3]
Since 2021, China is the first country to operate a demonstration generation IV reactor.[7][8] It is a very high temperature reactor (VHTR) called the HTR-PM of the pebble-bed type. This design operates at much higher temperatures than prior generations which allows for high temperature electrolysis or for sulfur–iodine cycle for the efficient production of hydrogen and the synthesis of carbon-neutral fuels.[2]
- ^ a b Welcome to Generation IV International forum. GIF (accessed Feb 2023)
- ^ a b c Locatelli, Giorgio; Mancini, Mauro; Todeschini, Nicola (2013-10-01). "Generation IV nuclear reactors: Current status and future prospects". Energy Policy. 61: 1503–1520. doi:10.1016/j.enpol.2013.06.101.
- ^ a b De Clercq, Geert (October 13, 2014). "Can Sodium Save Nuclear Power?". Scientific American.
- ^ Generation IV Nuclear Reactors. World Nuclear Association, update Dec 2020
- ^ Generation IV Nuclear Reactors. World Nuclear Association. Updated December 2020. Accessed April 24, 2023.
- ^ Moir, Ralph; Teller, Edward (2005). "Thorium-Fueled Underground Power Plant Based on Molten Salt Technology". Nuclear Technology. 151 (3): 334–340. Bibcode:2005NucTe.151..334M. doi:10.13182/NT05-A3655. S2CID 36982574. Retrieved March 22, 2012.
- ^ "China's HTR-PM reactor achieves first criticality : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News". www.world-nuclear-news.org. 13 September 2021.
- ^ "Dual criticality for Chinese demonstration HTR-PM : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News".