European Commission – 7th Framework Programme: The Collaborative Project on European Sodium Fast Reactor (CP ESFR)

Abstract

Fast Reactors have a unique capability as sustainable energy source; the closed fuel cycle allows significantly improving the usage of natural resources and the minimisation of volume and heat load of high-level waste. Among the fast reactor systems, the sodium-cooled fast reactor has the most comprehensive technological basis, thanks to the experience gained internationally from operating experimental, prototype and commercial size reactors. The paper summarizes the key characteristics of the four years large Collaborative Project on European Sodium Fast Reactor (CP ESFR – 2009–2012); the CP ESFR follows the 6th FP project named “Roadmap for a European Innovative SOdium cooled FAst Reactor – EISOFAR” further identifying, organizing and implementing a significant part of the needed R&D effort. The CP ESFR merges the contribution of 25 European partners; it is performed under the aegis of the 7th FP under the Area – Advanced Nuclear Systems with a refund from the European Commission of 5.8 M€ (11.55 M€ total budget). It is a key component of the European Sustainable Nuclear Energy Technology Platform (SNE TP) and its Strategic Research Agenda (SRA). The inputs for the project are the key research goals for fourth generation of European sodium cooled fast reactors which can be summarized as follows: an improved safety with in particular the achievement of a robust architecture vis à vis of abnormal situations and the robustness of the safety demonstrations; the guarantee of a financial risk similar to that of the other means of energy production; a flexible and robust management of nuclear materials and especially waste reduction through Minor Actinides burning. Within the paper relevant results of the first year of activity are succinctly presented; insights are given concerning the so called “working horses” cores and systems which have been provided by CEA and AREVA and that are used as a basis to test the performances and assess the pertinence of innovative solutions. 1 On behalf of the 7th FP CP ESFR Consortium.