Strategic and Policy Issues Raised by the Transition from Thermal to Fast Nuclear Systems
The renewed interest in nuclear energy triggered by concerns about global climate change and security of supply could lead to substantial growth in nuclear electricity generation and expanded interest in fast neutron reactors with closed fuel cycles. Moving from the current fleet of thermal neutron reactors to fast neutron systems will require many decades and extensive RD&D efforts. This book identifies and analyses key strategic and policy issues raised by such a transition, and provides guidance to decision makers on the best approaches for implementing transition scenarios.
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Policy Aspects
Nuclear Energy Agency
When evaluating alternative routes for nuclear energy development in the long term, policy makers should take into account the requirements for human resources, raw materials and services, R&D support and industrial facilities associated with each option considered. The transition from thermal to fast neutron nuclear systems raises policy issues to be identified at the early stage of designing scenarios for its implementation. Those issues have to be assessed during all phases of the transition period and when the fleet of nuclear reactors and fuel cycle facilities has reached the status targeted by the policy. This chapter reviews key topics deserving attention and aims at drawing findings on the best approaches to support decisions to implement or not transition scenarios and to do it successfully. It includes a short overview on relevant international initiatives highlighting their potential impact on facilitating the implementation of transition scenarios.
Also available in: French
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