Generation IV Nuclear Reactor: Seminar Report (PDF)

What are Generation IV reactors (Gen IV)?

Generation IV reactors (Gen IV) are a set of nuclear reactor designs currently being researched for commercial applications by the Generation IV International Forum. They are motivated by a variety of goals including improved safety, sustainability, efficiency, and cost. 

The demand for clean, non-fossil-based electricity is growing; therefore, the world needs to develop new nuclear reactors with higher thermal efficiencies in order to increase electricity generation and decrease detrimental effects on the environment. 

The current fleet of NPPs is classified as Generation II and III (just a limited number of Generation III+ reactors (mainly, Advanced Boiling Water Reactors (ABWRs) operates in some countries).  However, all these designs (here we are talking about only water-cooled power reactors) are not as energy efficient as they should be, because their operating temperatures are relatively low, i.e., below 350°C for a reactor coolant and even lower for steam. 

Currently, a group of countries, including Canada, EU, Japan, Russia, the USA, and others has initiated an international collaboration to develop the next generation nuclear reactors (Generation IV reactors).  The ultimate goal of developing such reactors is an increase in thermal efficiencies of NPPs from 30 - 36% to 45 - 50% and even higher.  This increase in thermal efficiency would result in a higher generation of electricity compared to current Light Water Reactor (LWR) technologies per 1 kg of uranium.

Generation IV Nuclear Reactor: Seminar Report Download

Review of Generation IV Nuclear Energy Systems (Download Full Report)

Generation IV Nuclear Reactors as a Basis for Future Electricity Production in the World (Download PDF)

Generation IV Concepts and International Frames (Download PDF)

Preparing the Future through Innovative Nuclear Technology: Outlook for Generation IV Technologies