Generation IV Nuclear Energy Systems-Alternative Solutions to Carbon Emission Energy Sources

The energy sector is in the middle of massive transformations, and global demand grows rapidly. In this context, the main objective of the paper is to realize an overview of the issue of energy development in the nuclear domain, being discussed the most promising pathways of nuclear power plants that meet the needs of energy and nuclear safety. In choosing the candidate systems for Generation IV nuclear power plants, the international forums highlighted 6 main energy systems: Gas-Cooled Fast Reactor System - GFR, Lead-Cooled Fast Reactor System - LFR, Molten Salt Reactor System - MSR, Sodium-Cooled Fast Reactor System - SFR, Supercritical-Water-Cooled Reactor System - SCWR, Very-High-Temperature Reactor System - VHTR. Also, the paper presents the main aspects of generation IV energy systems, comparing the six types of nuclear reactors according to the specific criteria: advantages and disadvantages of the advanced generation IV reactors, expected year of implementation, power range as well as research challenges.