Closed or excess

In summer 2007 Russian- American Agreement for utilization of 68 tons of excess weapons-grade plutonium had been launched, which was considered to be almost deceased. Construction of the plant for MOX-fuel fabrication had begun, which will allow to convert weapon material into nuclear fuel for PWR reactors. To utilize Russian quota, BN-800 reactor can be chosen.

Two years ago implementation of domestic breeder into diplomatic program seemed the only way to keep fast investigations line in Russia. Lack of money and permanent postponing the date could make unfeasible dream from BN-800 reactor. It was necessary to convince the Americans to cancel the Principle of parity, to agree with the fact that it is expedient for Russia to utilize own plutonium in fast reactors and to finance partially construction of BN-800 reactor.

It wasn't very easy to do it. The start-up of the forth unit at Beloyarsk NPP would fix Russia as the world leader in fast reactor development line. Washington didn't wish to assist in it. The Americans tried to induce Moscow to convert to MOX-fuel for VVER-reactors (Balakovo NPP was called) or to focus all efforts into pompous and extremely ambiguous GT-MGR reactor.Nobody remembers about the past debates. USA recalled all its objections against BN-800 reactor and as people say, they are ready to participate in development of its fuel infrastructure with financial assistance. And the budget of the state corporation Rosatom against Rosatom agency looks enough well. The case of weapons-grade plutonium can be successfully closed, except for one "but".

Strictly speaking, Russian atom doesn't need in BN-800 reactor. Sodium technologies serviceability in Russia is proven by multiyear experience of BN-600 reactor operation, but BN-800 reactor can't go to commercial level. Implementation of BN-800 reactor into closed fuel cycle - mastering of technologies for reprocessing spent nuclear fuel (SNF) of VVER reactors, fabrication of new fuel from them, reprocessing of SNF of BN-800 itself and other - should be priority of number 1 for this reactor.

But it is impossible to solve this task with simultaneous using BN-800 for weapons-grade plutonium utilization. And if decision about "political" usage of BN-800 reactor is adopted ultimately, Russia will have a risk to freeze its current interim state for two-three decades - excellent, the best fast reactor technologies in the world and absolutely no closed NFC.

SOURCE: Vladimir Rychin, AtomInfo.Ru

DATE: November 19, 2007

Topics: NFC, Fast breeders, Russia, MOX-fuel, USA