Towards reliable and safe GFR

Gas-cooled fast reactor (GFR) is considered as one of the six most promising advanced nuclear reactor technologies, supported worldwide by the Generation IV International Forum and ESNII in Europe, with concepts under development in Europe and the USA.

It excels in versatility, combining very high core outlet temperatures and the possibility to close the fuel cycle, allowing for very efficient and sustainable electricity and industrial heat production, replacing burning fossil fuels.

The TREASURE proposal presents a Research and Innovation Action aiming at connecting European developers of GFR demonstrator ALLEGRO (V4G4 Centre of Excellence) with expert organizations with experience in GFR and HTR research, who will utilize their unique expertise and knowledge and bring fresh ideas to the GFR development.

It is divided into 6 Work Packages, four of them dealing with open research and development problems of GFRs, namely the Core operation and safety optimization (WP1), Experimental validation of the DHR concept (WP2), GFR as industrial heat and power source (WP3), Enhancing GFR safety (WP4).

Dissemination and outreach activities are included in WP5, alongside with communication activities with regulators and relevant international organizations, and education and training activities.

WP6 ensures smooth management and execution of the project.The main objectives of the TREASURE project are:•Further optimization of the GFR fuel design and fuel cycle.•Exploring possibilities to further reduce produced waste and to further enhance proliferation resistance in GFRs.•ALLEGRO safety concept demonstration, including large-scale experimental verification.•Optimization of operation flexibility and performance of GFRs, using intermediate heat storage system, cogeneration, and hydrogen production.•Further enhancing ALLEGRO safety via use of passive and redundant safety systems.•Attracting students and young professionals to work on GFR development.