Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
In the longer term, by 2030-2040, fast neutron reactors (fourth
generation) will be developed [52, 53]. Fast neutron reactors operating
as 'breeder reactors' can use uranium 238, producing fissile plutonium
(isotopes 239 and 241) by neutron capture on uranium 238. By succes-
sively recycling the plutonium produced from the uranium 238, 70-90%
of the initial uranium can be fissioned, depending on whether or not the
minor actinides also produced are recycled. Uranium resources could then
be used for a period at least fifty times longer compared with the current
situation [54-56]. The investment required for a fast neutron reactor
(FNR) is higher than for a PWR, but the cost of the kWh produced
becomes almost independent of the price of natural uranium. A certain
number of technical problems still remain to be examined and the
reliability of the process must be demonstrated before large-scale indus-
trial deployment. One problem is the resistance of the materials, in
particular steel, under high irradiation.
We can expect to see third generation reactors widely deployed as of
2010, while a large proportion of the nuclear reactors in service through-
out the world will remain second generation for at least the next two or
three decades (these reactors are designed for a lifetime of 40 years,
possibly extended to 50 years on a case-by-case basis). Under these
conditions, commissioning of fast reactors (fourth generation) could start
around 2040-2050, but at this time numerous third generation reactors
will still be in service [56, 57].
Thermoelectric fusion is a pathway which is also being explored, with
the construction of the ITER experimental facility in the south of France,
but prospects of success are uncertain.
Current projects implement deuterium-tritium fusion. Tritium can be
produced from lithium 6 available in smaller quantities than deuterium,
but this type of process could nevertheless produce energy for several
thousand years. Deuterium-deuterium fusion could also be implemented,
but the problems to be tackled are even more difficult and represent a
consideration for the future. Industrial applications of thermoelectric
fusion can only be expected around the end of the century or during the
next century. The stake remains considerable, however, since it offers the
possibility of accessing a form of energy so far untapped and of immense
potential.
During the energy transition period, we expect that only the fission
processes will have a real impact. These processes offer substantial
advantages due to absence of CO 2 emissions during electricity production
and the financial profitability, which is becoming increasingly attractive as
the price of fossil energies increases.
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