Overview of Fast Breeder Reactor Facts

Article Summary

Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs)

Definition: FBRs are nuclear reactors that 'breed' more fissile material than they consume, using fast neutrons for nuclear fission.
Case Study - Superphénix, France:
- Initiation: Construction began in 1976, costing approximately $10 billion.
- Operational Timeline:
  - Became critical in 1985.
  - Commercial operation began in 1986 and lasted 11 years.
- Energy Production:
  - Achieved less than 20% of its potential energy output.
  - Contributed to under 1% of France’s electricity demand.
- Downtime:
  - Spent 25 months on technical repairs.
  - Remained inactive for 66 months due to political challenges.
- Market Impact:
  - Notably, the price of uranium decreased from $40 per pound to $15, undermining the economic justification for the project.

Contextual Implications:

Nuclear Energy Policy: The challenges faced by FBRs like Superphénix highlight the complexities in nuclear energy production, including technical, political, and economic factors influencing viability.
Energy Economics: Fluctuations in raw material prices can significantly affect the sustainability and investment rationale for nuclear projects.

Key Terms & Concepts

Superphénix	Fast breeder reactor in France
1976	Start year of construction
$10 billion	Total cost of construction
1985	Year became critical
1986	Year became commercial
11 years	Operational duration
20%	Energy produced versus capacity
1%	Percentage of France's electricity demand met
25 months	Time spent on technical fixes
66 months	Non-operation due to political reasons
$40 to $15	Drop in uranium spot price

Article Summary

Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs)

Definition: FBRs are nuclear reactors that 'breed' more fissile material than they consume, using fast neutrons for nuclear fission.
Case Study - Superphénix, France:
- Initiation: Construction began in 1976, costing approximately $10 billion.
- Operational Timeline:
  - Became critical in 1985.
  - Commercial operation began in 1986 and lasted 11 years.
- Energy Production:
  - Achieved less than 20% of its potential energy output.
  - Contributed to under 1% of France’s electricity demand.
- Downtime:
  - Spent 25 months on technical repairs.
  - Remained inactive for 66 months due to political challenges.
- Market Impact:
  - Notably, the price of uranium decreased from $40 per pound to $15, undermining the economic justification for the project.

Contextual Implications:

Nuclear Energy Policy: The challenges faced by FBRs like Superphénix highlight the complexities in nuclear energy production, including technical, political, and economic factors influencing viability.
Energy Economics: Fluctuations in raw material prices can significantly affect the sustainability and investment rationale for nuclear projects.

Key Terms & Concepts

Superphénix	Fast breeder reactor in France
1976	Start year of construction
$10 billion	Total cost of construction
1985	Year became critical
1986	Year became commercial
11 years	Operational duration
20%	Energy produced versus capacity
1%	Percentage of France's electricity demand met
25 months	Time spent on technical fixes
66 months	Non-operation due to political reasons
$40 to $15	Drop in uranium spot price

Article Summary