The conference was held by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Russian government in cooperation with Rosatom. With over 500 reports from more than 30 countries, FR17 had grown into the world’s largest conference devoted to fast neutron reactors. The conference was attended by around 700 industry experts. The event was aimed at providing a platform for exchange of experience and information about programs, whether local or international, and new developments in the field of fast reactors and related fuel cycle technologies.
Fast neutron reactors offer great advantages for development of nuclear industry. Based on the closed nuclear fuel cycle technologies, such reactors reproduce (or breed) fuel, thus increasing the fuel stock in the industry and minimizing radioactive waste by ‘burning up’ hazardous radionuclides. Russia is a global leader in fast breeder technologies.
Rosatom CEO Alexei Likhachev said in his opening speech that fast neutron reactors now developed worldwide will facilitate the transformation of nuclear power into a truly renewable and safe source of energy. “The future of the world’s nuclear power industry is inextricably linked with the development of closed nuclear fuel cycles, in which fast reactor technologies play a key role. So, in the years ahead, the world’s nuclear energy will be truly renewable due to recycling of fissile materials,” said Alexei Likhachev. According to him, it is no coincidence that this conference – the largest one ever held on the subject – is hosted by Russia. “It is widely known that Rosatom is one of the global leaders in fast neutron technologies,” Rosatom CEO added.
Memorandum with V4G4
The number of MBIR participants has increased. At the FR17 Conference, Rosatom signed a memorandum with the V4G4 Center of Excellence. V4G4 was established by four nuclear research institutions and engineering companies of the Visegrad Group countries – the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Poland. Now, these countries can take part in MBIR project. The memorandum was signed by Vyacheslav Pershukov, Rosatom Deputy CEO for Innovation Management, and János Gadó, Head of the V4G4 Steering Committee. The partners agreed to negotiate the key terms of participation in the MBIR-based international research center and estimate the reactor capacity required to complete the research program.
Experts’ visit to Beloyarsk Nuclear Station
The participants of the FR17 conference made a technical tour round the Beloyarsk Nuclear Station, which operates the BN-600 and BN-800 fast reactors. According to William Magwood, Director General of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Nuclear Energy Agency (OECD NEA), the unique experience of the Beloyarsk Nuclear Station will help other countries gain a better understanding of fast reactor specifics. “This is the first time in history when two fast-neutron reactors are being operated simultaneously. While designing the BN-800 reactor, you made a very good use of the multi-year BN-600 operation experience. I think that these fast-neutron reactors open the door to a thousand-year era of clean energy. BN reactors allow for disposing hazardous radioactive waste and thus improving safety of the nuclear industry. If such technology is developed internationally, the world will become a safer and cleaner place. I also think that, in 50 years, the mankind will refer to the Beloyarsk Nuclear Station as a pioneer in this field,” said Mr. Magwood.
