Reactors of the future and new facilities

Looking ahead to the development of Generation IV reactors, IRSN is enhancing its knowledge so that it can assess the safety of these reactors and their associated fuel cycle facilities when the time comes. It is focusing in particular on issues related to sodium cooled fast reactors.

Topics IRSN worked on in 2015:

• Progress with R&D assessing the safety of ITER
• Simulation of severe accidents that could affect the future Astrid reactor.

For more information about these topics, consult IRSN's Activity Report 2015 - Chapter Activities.

Topics IRSN worked on in 2014:

• Assessment and research work on Iter
• Preparation tof the assessment of Generation IV reactors.

For more information about these topics, consult IRSN's Activity Report 2014 - Chapter Activities.

Topics IRSN worked on in 2013:

• Examination of the first safety guidelines for the ASTRID project
• Research on tomorrow's reactors (SFRs and ITER)
• Examination of the safety report for the ECRIN construction license application.

For more information about these topics, consult IRSN's Activity Report 2013 - Chapter 03: Activities / Safety.

Topics IRSN worked on in 2012:

•  Overview of design of Generation IV reactors.

For more information about these topics, consult IRSN's Activity Report 2012 - Chapter 03: Activities / Safety. 

Topics IRSN worked on in 2011:

• Building up knowledge on high-temperature reactors
• Safety options of the new ATMEA reactor
• Reference document on BORAX-type reactivity accidents in pool-type reactors
• Launch of the JASMIN project.

For more information about these topics, consult IRSN's Activity Report 2011 - Chapter 03: Activities / Safety.

Topics IRSN worked on in 2010:

• ASTRID project examination process for the industrial demonstration of sodium-cooled fast reactor (SFR) technology
• Research strategy concerning sodium-cooled fast reactors
• Inventory of simulation software.

For more information about these topics, consult IRSN's Activity Report 2010 - Chapter 03: Activities / Safety.

Future waste repositories

The work carried out by IRSN in this field seeks to improve understanding and acquire the skills and tools required in time to assess the deep geological repositories for nuclear waste planned for the future.

​Topics IRSN worked on in 2015:

• IRSN's opinion on the geothermal potentiel of the Bure region
• CIGEO: managing operating risks
• LAunch of the SITEX II project
• DECOVALEX: Modeling a sealing test.

For more information about these topics, consult IRSN's Activity Report 2015 - Chapter Activities.

Topics IRSN worked on in 2014:

• Assessment of the closure structures planned for the CIGEO project 
• New guidelines for the experimental programs at Tournemire. 

For more information about these topics, consult IRSN's Activity Report 2014 - Chapter Activities.

Topics IRSN worked on in 2013:

• CIGEO: review of documents submitted by Andra since 2009
• End of the SITEX project
• Launch of the TOMUEX project at the Tournemire experimental station
• First results of the CEMTEX experiment.

For more information about these topics, consult IRSN's Activity Report 2013 - Chapter 03: Activities / Safety.

Topics IRSN worked on in 2012:

• Launch of the GEOSAF II project
• Launch of the European SITEX project
• Long-term management of Comurhex waste
• Participation in the NEEDS program of CNRS
• Participation in peer review headed by the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA): Assessment of the safety analysis file of a future near-surface disposal facility
• Participation in an international IRSS (Integrated Regulatory Review Service) audit organized by the IAEA in Finland
• New experiments set up at Tournemire experimental station.

For more information about these topics, consult IRSN's Activity Report 2012 - Chapter 03: Activities / Safety. 

Topics IRSN worked on in 2011:

• Study of radionuclide transfer and seal integrity
• Open day at the Tournemire experimental station.

For more information about these topics, consult IRSN's Activity Report 2011 - Chapter 03: Activities / Safety.

Topics IRSN worked on in 2010:

• Assessment of a zone of interest for detailed reconnaissance
• Geological disposal facilities for high- and intermediate-level long-lived waste
• First SEALEX experiments on the performance of clay seals in a repository for high- and intermediate-level long-lived waste.

For more information about these topics, consult IRSN's Activity Report 2010 - Chapter 03: Activities / Safety.