Reducing the Cost of the CANDU System

Abstract

The high-level strategy for developing the next generation CANDU reactors consists of three main thrusts:Cost reductions via plant optimization and simplification.Safety enhancements with an emphasis on passive safetyEnhanced Plant Operation using "Smart CANDU conceptsThe next generation CANDU reactors will retain all the essential characteristics of the CANDU reactor. These include high neutron economy, modular design. on-power fueling passive safety, and simple fuel design. However, we believe that the extensive knowledge base that has been developed over the last 50 years can be used to achieve considerable plant optimization and simplification. The cost reductions that result from optimization and simplification would significantly expand the applicability of nuclear power particularly in emerging markets where the cost of capital is a major factor. This, in turn, would have a major impact on the reduction of environmental emissions over the coming decades. Some of the enabling technologies being considered for the next generation CANDU plants are outlined in this paper.