The «eternal» nuclear reactor has become one of the country’s major achievements

The unique BN-800 nuclear reactor was launched exactly one year ago at Beloyarsk NPP. This event was historic, as it was the first time in the world that a nuclear reactor using spent fuel started working. BN-800 nuclear reactor became one of the main scientific breakthroughs of our country and now it is presented on the site "Achievements.RF".

The peculiarity of the "eternal" nuclear reactor BN-800 is that during its operation nuclear waste is not accumulated, but is used again and again. This will make the use of uranium reserves much more cost-effective. The point is that in 2005 the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) estimated the total amount of proven uranium reserves. It turned out that it was about 4.7 million tons. At that time, according to IAEA estimates, this would have been enough for 85 years.

But with the transition to the use of fast neutron reactors capable of "burning" uranium-238, these same reserves will be enough for more than 2500 years. Besides, such reactors can realize a closed fuel cycle, since only uranium-238 is "burned", and after reprocessing the fuel can be re-loaded into the reactor. Moreover, in the course of operation excess fuel is also formed, which can be used for new reactors.

As a reminder, the project "Achievements.RF" became part of the preparation for the International RUSSIA EXPO, which will open on November 4. The exposition will be held at the VDNH and will gather the advanced achievements of Russian regions in various industries.