PHENIX THE EXPERIENCE FEEDBACK

The Phénix reactor holds a special place among French nuclear power plants.

As a sodium-cooled fast neutron reactor it was quite unique.

Built in 1968, by an integrated CEA/EDF/GAAA team, it would go critical in 1973 and be co-operated with EDF (80% CEA / 20% EDF) from 1974 to 2009.

During the thirty-five year life span, it would play its dual role as electricity generator (250 MWe) and experimental research reactor.

Thus, it gathered considerable experience for fast breeder reactor systems: demonstration of design and operation, breeder potential, transmutation possibilities, development of all technical fields involved and validation of the technology used.

This book attempts to summarise the wealth of scientifically exciting experience feedback, from these thirty-five years, for future fourth-generation reactors.