EUROPEAN FAST-REACTOR DESIGN

The European fast reactor (EFR) project was launched in 1988 and has n ow reached an important step with the completion of the concept valida tion phase. The twin goals that the customer utilities set at the outs et for the design have been demonstrated to be achievable: economic pe rformance with the generating cost of a commercial series of EFR compe titive with its contemporary pressurized water reactors; licensable in all participating countries with the requirement of a safety level wh ich meets the ambitious targets of future nuclear plants. The research and development support has been extensive and has provided comprehen sive validation of the design features necessary to meet these goals. The paper gives an overview of the project, covering the design and it s validation status and the steps taken to demonstrate that the safety and economic goals have been achieved.