New Generation Energy Systems and Technologies

The basic requirements for the energy sources of the future are satisfied by energy systems based on transmutation of atomic nuclei. Among them, the reactors of fission of heavy nuclei have been technologically mastered. For operating reactors, severe accidents with unacceptable releases of radioactive substances beyond the boundaries of nuclear power plants (NPP) cannot be ruled out. Achieving the ideals of internal safety is possible for fast reactors of small and medium power with the use of lead coolant and mononitride fuel (BREST concept). In this regard, the development (including based on the BREST ideas) of new safe reactors for various purposes is relevant. With limited time for commissioning new energy systems, the use of existing technologies is relevant. In the last decade, new nuclear technologies have been actively developed that allow them to be used in the design of new generation reactors. Some of these new technologies are universal. They can be applicable not only for various types of nuclear reactors (including existing ones), but also for thermonuclear reactors. Innovative technologies relate to all reactor materials: fuel, coolant, structural materials. This is a new cermet fuel, new fuel pin coatings, new coolants based on lead of thorium or uranium ores, based on alkali metal alloys. Earth-based fission reactors in which new materials are intended to be used are characterized by a high degree of internal safety. They are resistant to ATWS (anticipated transient without scram) modes. Space reactors are significantly inferior to Earth ones in safety, but their self-protection is quite acceptable given the small number of power units even in the distant future and the extremely low probability of accidents. Space reactors are resistant to a number of ATWS. The transition to large-scale nuclear energy will significantly save fossil fuels.