The European Atomic Forum (FORATOM) said late last week that it supports the European Atomic Energy Community's (Euratom) continuing participation in international research and development efforts to develop Generation IV nuclear energy systems, which was recommended by the EU Council of Ministers Working Group.
FORATOM said the European nuclear industry is focused on innovation and that this is apparent in facility improvements that have been made over time. With this support from Euratom, researchers across the continent will be able to continue their work with emerging technologies.
There are five types of nuclear reactor systems that are considered to be the first to reach deployment by the Generation IV International Forum (GIF): sodium-cooled fast reactors (SFR), very high temperature reactors (VHTR), molten salt reactors (MSR), lead-cooled fast reactors (LFR) and gas-cooled fast reactors (GFR). Of these, there are currently three research programs in SFR, GFR and LFR technology that will be taking place throughout Europe. Start dates for the SFR and LFR programs are expected in 2020.
Despite this, FORATOM calls on the European Union to offer support to facilitate the developmental process. The organization also said these technologies are being developed with significant progress also reported.
FORATOM is an advocacy organization for the nuclear industry in Europe
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