Prototype fast breeder reactor | Nuclear paradox

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A monolithic  turbine-generator of the 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR), successful  Kalpakkam.

A monolithic turbine-generator of the 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR), successful Kalpakkam. | Photo Credit: R. Ragu

A accelerated breeder reactor (FBR) gets its sanction from 2 features. First, it ‘breeds’ much atomic substance than it consumes. Second, it uses accelerated neutrons — ones that haven’t been slowed — to initiate atomic fission.

France began gathering an FBR called Superphénix successful 1976. After spending astir $10 billion, the reactor became captious successful 1985 and commercialized successful 1986. It operated for 11 years. However, it produced little than 20% of the vigor it was susceptible of producing and, successful all, met nether 1% of France’s energy demand. Superphénix besides spent 25 months connected method fixes and didn’t tally for 66 months for governmental reasons. At this time, the spot terms of uranium besides dropped from $40 a lb to $15, wiping retired its rationale for redeeming uranium.

Published - April 12, 2026 06:45 americium IST

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