Prospects For Zirconium And Hafnium Supplies For Nuclear Power In Russia Up To 2030

摘要

The prospects for supplying zirconium and hafnium - the main structural and prospective absorbing material for thermal reactors - are examined in accordance with the strategy for the development of nuclear power in our country up to 2030. The present situation concerning the use of Russian nuclear fuel is described. The characteristics of the main zirconium alloys used in domestic and foreign thermal reactors and the approximate requirements for baddeleyite and zirconium concentrates, the distribution of balance zirconium reserves, and the requirements of the nuclear industry for hafnium metal and hafnium compounds are presented.