Molten salts for 4^th generation nuclear reactors?

Subatomic Physics and Cosmology Laboratory (CNRS/IN2P3 and Grenoble Alpes University) 53 Avenue des Martyrs, 38026 Grenoble Cedex, France

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Abstract

If we are to combat climate change significantly, massive use of nuclear energy is essential. This requires upstream management of the risks associated with nuclear power and its acceptability to society. Nuclear generation will also have to be able to keep up with the load of a fleet that includes a large proportion of renewable energies.

This article presents and discusses a new approach to meeting these challenges: liquid fuel reactors, or molten salt reactors, which are attracting growing interest. It describes the developments made in France with the CNRS MSFR (molten salt reactor with fast neutron spectrum) concept, which offers prospects for the incineration of transuranics and the management of intermittent energy sources.