ARCAS

Ads and fast Reactor CompArison Study in support of Strategic Research Agenda of SNETP

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

The objective of the proposal is based on the outcome of PATEROS CA to assess more in depth the regional approach to P&T implementation. It will respond to one of the key-topics put forward by the Strategic Research Agenda of SNETP. The project intends to look at the economical aspects of the most realistic scenario for P&T with the hypothesis: limit the MA bearing fuel transport and limit the MA bearing fuel handling in and between all places such as at the reactor, at the fuel fabrication and at the reprocessing plant.We would like to assess the cost associated to implementing ADS’s or dedicated Fast Reactors as minor actinide burning facilities. The idea is to start from two fixed hypotheses: (1) we work in double-strata approach and look only at the second (“burning” stratum); (2) we assume a certain influx of minor actinide mass per year that needs to be burned. These two hypotheses will allow the project to avoid extensive scenario studies. The economic impact will be evaluated for investment cost, associated fuel cycle and operational cost but not the needed R&D cost. A crucial parameter to be established for both reactor systems is the maximal minor actinide (MA) content in a core loading. This maximal MA value is determined by operational safety criteria to be adhered by the dedicated burner. An evaluation of a number of safety parameters for the systems will give an upper boundary for the minor actinide mass present in the core. In order to not diversify the work, the project should define a generic and representative system for the ADS approach and the FR approach. For the ADS, one can benefit from the work done in the FP6-EUROTRANS on the EFIT design. For the FR, one could use an SFR or LFR as a starting point. However, the design should be optimized to the task of a dedicated burner. Concerning the FR two options could be envisaged for the core lay-out: driver fuel with blanket or homogeneous mixture.

Introduzione (Teaser)

A sophisticated comparative study of different nuclear technologies will help policymakers and governments decide on the best options to streamline their nuclear facilities for more efficient energy production.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Cutting-edge reactor technology is crucial for ensuring adequate electricity output in the future, in line with the strategy of the EU's European Sustainable Nuclear Energy Technology Platform (SNETP). Accelerator-driven systems (ADSs) and other dedicated fast reactors are potential candidates for ensuring the viability of such technology. However, this requires a meticulous comparative study to identify the most suitable options.

The EU-funded project 'ADS and fast reactor comparison study in support of Strategic Research Agenda of SNETP' (ARCAS) embarked on this mission. Building on a previous EU-funded project in this field, PATEROS, project members evaluated the costs of implementing ADSs or dedicated fast reactors as minor actinide burning facilities.

Researchers exploited the outcomes of previous partitioning and transmutation research conducted by PATEROS partners. To ensure valid comparison of options, they estimated mass and composition of transuranic waste (i.e. plutonium and minor actinide material) for a given region or set of countries. In addition, the project also considered the maturity of the technology and how this could be incorporated into economic analyses.

Assessments involved fuel cycle cost and maximal minor actinide content involved in core loading, in addition to checking a number of safety parameters. The project successfully analysed existing studies and defined the reference scenario, outlining a legal framework of partitioning and transmutation operations.

Other considerations that were integrated into the analysis include the design of the spent fuel reprocessing facility, transmuter fuel fabrication facility, transport cask design and associated costs.

The ARCAS evaluation can now support decision makers in assessing options that are favourable for each case, in line with national directives and policies. This presents another positive step in adopting the most ideal nuclear technology for energy production in Europe and can help ensure the sector's efficiency in the long run.