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European Lead-cooled System

Objective

The GEN IV initiative considers fast reactors mandatory for a sustainable development of the Nuclear Energy. Europe has a large experience in the field of sodium-cooled fast reactors (e.g. SPX1) and has made a big effort in the Lead-Bismuth Eutectic (LBE) technology for use in the sub-critical reactors in both the past FP5 and the ongoing FP6. The natural development is the use of pure lead since less expensive, less corrosive and of lesser radiological concern than LBE. Lead is chemically inert and has good neutronic characteristics that are unique among the coolants for a fast reactor. The ELSY project aims at the demonstration that it is possible to design a competitive and safe fast power reactor using simple technical engineered features. The high lead density has the advantage that, in the hypothetical case of a core disruption, it is unlikely to lead to core compaction scenarios which might cause the insertion of large amounts of reactivity in a short time. The use of compact in-vessel steam generators and of a simple primary circuit with possibly all Internals being removable are among the reactor features for competitive electric energy generation and long-term investment protection. Europe is taking the initiative to promote this ambitious project and it_s relevant to note that the FP6 is the last opportunity to carry out a very innovative activity with participation of young engineers and scientists, who would learn from engineers and scientists near to retirement with large experience in fast reactors design. GEN IV Partners outside Europe are also willing to participate in design and development of a common large-scale LFR. The activity consists of management and technical activity subdivided into six Work-Packages: WP1: Design objectives, cost estimate, future R and D needs WP2: Core design and performance assessment. WP3: Main components and systems. WP4: System integration. WP5: Safety and transient analysys WP6: Lead technology

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Call for proposal

EURATOM-2005-6-FIXEDDEADLINE
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Funding Scheme

STREP - Specific Targeted Research Project

Coordinator

ANSALDO NUCLEARE SPA
EU contribution
No data
Address
VIA LORENZI NICOLA 8
16152 Genova
Italy

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Region
Nord-Ovest Liguria Genova
Activity type
Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments)
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Total cost
No data

Participants (19)

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Last update: 14 June 2016

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Permalink: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/36439

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