Nuclear power development in market conditions with use of multi-purpose modular fast reactors SVBR-75/100

This article presents an innovative nuclear power technology, based on the use of modular type fast-neutron reactors SVBR-75/100 having heavy liquid-metal coolant, i.e. eutectic lead–bismuth alloy, which was mastered in Russia for the nuclear submarines’ reactors. Reactor SVBR-75/100 possesses inherent self-protection and passive safety properties that allow excluding of many safety systems necessary for traditional type reactors. Use of this nuclear power technology makes it possible to eliminate conflicting requirements among safety needs and economic factors, which is particularly found in traditional reactors, to increase considerably the investment attractiveness of nuclear power based on the use of fast-neutron reactors for the near future, when the cost of natural uranium is low and to assure development of nuclear power in market conditions. On the basis of the factory-fabricated “standard” reactor modules, it is possible to construct the nuclear power plants with different power and purposes. Without changing the design, it is possible for reactor SVBR-75/100 to use different kinds of fuel and operate in different fuel cycles with meeting the safety requirements.