Lead-Cooled Fast Reactor (LFR) Overview and Perspectives

Abstract

The GIF Technology Roadmap [1] identified the Lead-cooled Fast Reactor (LFR) as a technology with great potential to meet the small-unit electricity needs of remote sites while also offering advantages as a large system for grid-connected power stations. The LFR features a fast-neutron spectrum and a closed fuel cycle for efficient conversion of fertile uranium. It can also be used as a burner of minor actinides from spent fuel and as a burner/breeder. An important feature of the LFR is the enhanced safety that results from the choice of a relatively inert coolant. In the Roadmap, the LFR was primarily envisioned for missions in electricity and hydrogen production, and actinide management.