Prospects for the Development of Fast Breeder Reactors

Possible ways to improve nuclear power systems with fast breeder reactors and conditions for ensuring that such systems are competitive are discussed. Certain questions concerning schematic and structural improvements are examined. The results of a comparative analysis of sodium- and lead-cooled breeder reactors are presented. It is pointed out that for sodium-cooled reactors the corresponding informtion is due to many years of experience in developing, investigating, and operating experimental, test, and commercial reactors. There is no experience in developing lead-cooled reactors. A comparative analysis does not confirm that there are any advantages with respect to technical or economic performance for lead-cooled breeder reactors.