Building the Gen Ⅳ fuel supply chain

摘要

DESIGNING, LICENSING, BUILDING AND DEPLOYING Gen Ⅳnuclear reactors is proceeding steadily. The growing momentum behind new nuclear is in response to the need to eliminate carbon emissions, while delivering a stable and reliable power supply. Almost weekly there are technical advances, energy-generation agreements and interest announced in various Gen Ⅳ reactor designs by countries and organisations around the globe.When the marketplace evaluates next-generation nuclear options, whether it be small modular reactors (SMRs) or microreactors, often the focus is on the plant hardware. The reactor, and the adjacent equipment that puts nuclear-generated energy to productive use, are certainly important, but it is only half of the equation. The fuel that will power these reactors is just as crucial.Fuel design is progressing and is benefiting from new approaches and modern technologies. However, it is critical to have a tangible, dependable supply chain for these advanced fuels if new nuclear is to be successful.