Reactor technology development under the HTTR project

JAERI is developing HTR technology, hydrogen production technology, and system integration technology under the HTTR Project. The HTTR is the Japanese first HTR with a 30-MW thermal power. The first criticality of the HTTR was achieved in 1998, and the full-power operation at an outlet coolant temperature of 850°C was attained in 2001. The outlet coolant temperature was reached to 950°C in 2004. A seven-year program on the gas turbine HTR was launched in 2001. The program consists of the design of a GTHTR300 plant and R&D on a closed-cycle helium gas turbine system for the GTHTR300. It is designed to have a 600-MW thermal power at an outlet coolant temperature of 850°C and a 275-MW electric power. The objectives of the program are to establish a feasible plant design and to demonstrate key technologies for the helium gas turbine. The GTHTR300 design will demonstrate competitive economy and high degree of safety. It will also provide technology basis of VHTRs for power generation, hydrogen production, and cogeneration.