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Sodium-cooled fast reactor (SFR)
What's so interesting about them?
Sodium-Cooled Fast Reactors (SFRs) are trailblazers in the nuclear industry. Their story began when scientists thought, “What if we use liquid sodium instead of regular water to cool the reactor and generate energy?”. This bold idea took shape in the mid-20th century, and since then, SFRs have been making waves in the world of nuclear technology.
Fuel
Fuel
Moderator
Moderator
Coolant
Coolant
Typical technical data:
| Neutron Spectrum | Outlet Temperature (Degrees Celsius) | Fuel Cycle | Net Electrical Energy Generation seen in Development (MW) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Fast |
500-550 |
Closed |
50-1,500 |
What is happening with them today?
Countries like France, Japan, and Russia have been leading the charge, collaborating to improve and perfect SFR technology. What makes SFRs special is their ability to use fast neutrons, which are like the speedy messengers inside the reactor, making the whole process more efficient.
Though SFRs aren’t operating anywhere just yet, scientists are working on smaller versions to test their potential. It’s like a sneak peek into the future of energy. By the next decade, we might witness the rise of sodium-cooled fast reactors, bringing us a new era of nuclear power that’s both reliable and forward-thinking.
Superphénix is a SFRs prototype in France that was decommissioned in 1977:
Matt Moore
The Generation IV International Forum – Sodium-Cooled Fast Reactor (SFR)
The Generation IV International Forum – Technology Systems
