BN-800 as a new stage in the development of fast sodium-cooled reactors

Abstract

The role of fast reactors in a strategy for developing nuclear power in Russia because of the inevitable exhaustion of natural uranium deposits in the foreseeable future is discussed. The BN-800 reactor, which is under construction and incorporates unique solutions - greatly enhancing the safety of the reactor - to technical and constructional problems, is examined. Cost assessments taking account of the complete life cycle show that fast reactors could be no more expensive than the most widely reactors in the world water-moderated water-cooled reactors. Closing the BN-800 nuclear fuel cycle will make it possible to solve the problem of utilizing plutonium and actinides. This makes fast reactors safer for the environment.