Capabilities and Capacities of Research Reactors for Development of Materials and Fuels for Innovative Nuclear Energy Systems. IAEA Catalogue under Development

For the development of new generation nuclear power reactors, such as those being developed within the framework of the Generation IV (GenIV) project and/or being considered in the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) International Project on Innovative Nuclear Reactors and Fuel Cycles (INPRO) or in national programmes of the IAEA Member States, maintaining and development of a sophisticated up-to-date experimental base is crucial. Research reactors represent one of the major parts of this experimental base. The special attention paid by the IAEA and the general public to research reactors is due to the fact that these facilities are quite expensive, and they are sensitive to non-proliferation and safety issues. In support of the above-mentioned international and national efforts the IAEA is developing a comprehensive Catalogue on existing and future services that can be provided by existing and planned research reactors for innovative nuclear energy system and technology R&D. A broad range of research reactor applications will be covered in the Catalogue. Potential opportunities for research reactors and associated facilities to cover major areas of research reactor applications, focusing on the support that such reactors can provide for advanced materials and fuel development, is presented.