Towards a Sustainable Future using Pressure Tube Reactor Technology

We describe the contribution nuclear energy will make to global energy needs based on the sound foundation of existing technology, infrastructure, natural resources and human knowledge, while meeting the requirements of security of supply (energy independence) and growing demand. Currently all reactors internationally operate on an unsustainable once-through nuclear fuel cycle using uranium fuel. Future decisions will be increasingly based on strategic considerations involving the complete nuclear fuel cycle, including requirements related to supply assurances, resource utilization, proliferation resistance and radioactive waste disposal. Pressure tube reactor (PTR) technology using fuel channels is uniquely suited to respond to the future needs because of its inherent technical characteristics and associated fuel cycle flexibility. PTR channel technology concepts have also continued to advance based on 50 years of continuous development and improvement, with strategic considerations involving the complete nuclear fuel cycle related to:
• Fuel Availability and Supply Assurances
• Uranium, Plutonium and Thorium utilization
• Waste Minimization
• Proliferation Resistance (Safeguards)
• Assured Licensability
• Improved Safety
• Cost CompetitivenessWe show how nuclear technology development and global sustainability is determined by R&D progress, with challenging technology goals for nuclear energy systems in the four areas of sustainability, economics, safety and reliability, and proliferation resistance and phys ical protection, leading naturally to the next phase of PTR channel development, namely the high efficiency Supercritical Water Reactor (SCWR). Aggressive targets have been set for R&D and advanced concepts, complementary to the approaches taken in India, which support enhanced safety, cost reduction, resource sustainability, and economical and efficient operation.