Atomizing...

Treasure Project

Towards
Reliable and
Safe GFR

Treasure Project

Gas-cooled fast reactor (GFR) is considered as one of the six most promising advanced nuclear reactor technologies, supported worldwide by the Generation IV International Forum and ESNII in Europe, with concepts under development in Europe and the USA. It excels in versatility, combining very high core outlet temperatures and the possibility to close the fuel cycle, allowing for very efficient and sustainable electricity and industrial heat production, replacing burning fossil fuels.

Treasure project presents a Research and Innovation Action aiming at connecting European developers of GFR demonstrator ALLEGRO (V4G4 Centre of Excellence) with organizations experienced in GFR and HTR research, who will utilize their unique expertise and knowledge and bring fresh ideas to the GFR development. It is divided into 6 Work Packages, four of them dealing with open research and development problems of GFRs, namely the Core operation and safety optimization (WP1), Experimental validation of the DHR concept (WP2), GFR as industrial heat and power source (WP3), Enhancing GFR safety (WP4). Dissemination and outreach activities are included in WP5, alongside with communication activities with regulators and relevant international organizations, and education and training activities. WP6 ensures smooth management and execution of the project.

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Allegro 75 MWTH

Project objectives

  • Further optimization of the GFR fuel design and fuel cycle.
  • Exploring possibilities to further reduce produced waste and to further enhance proliferation resistance in GFRs.
  • ALLEGRO safety concept demonstration, including large-scale experimental verification.
  • Optimization of operation flexibility and performance of GFRs, using intermediate heat storage system, cogeneration, and hydrogen production.
  • Further enhancing ALLEGRO safety via use of passive and redundant safety systems.
  • Attracting students and young professionals to work on GFR development.

Partnership

Project structure

Individual work packages are set to comply with the project objectives, each of the work packages covering one of the selected specific areas.
Major measurable project outcomes will be:

  • WP1 Core safety and operation optimization
  • WP2 Experimental qualification of simulation tools for Decay Heat Removal concept
  • WP3 Application of GFR as industrial power and heat source
  • WP4 Enhancing GFR safety
  • WP5 Dissemination, communication and education
  • WP6 Project coordination and management

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