Qualification of Fuel for Advanced Small Modular Reactors: Metallic Fuel For The Gen IV Arc Reactor

Abstract

The deployment of advanced Small Modular Reactor (aSMR) technology will be a significant contribution to the Net-Zero Emissions by 2050 goal in Canada. Advanced, Generation IV reactors employ inherently safe systems, less complicated designs, smaller footprints, and lower construction costs than previous generations. These reactors will use enriched uranium, differing from the natural enrichment level in the traditional oxide fuel of the current CANDU fleet. SMR vendors are working with the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and industry experts to meet all regulatory requirements and recommendations to qualify enriched fuel in metallic, molten salt, or oxide forms. During the voluntary, pre-licensing Vendor Design Review (VDR) process with the CNSC, submissions for Fuel Qualification and Design can be presented to the regulator to identify any impediments to the design entering licensing. The progress on licensing activities related to fuel qualification for ARC’s Generation IV sodium-cooled fast reactor (SFR) through VDR is provided in this paper. As aSMR vendors enter licensing processes, the qualification of the fuel and fuel design will progress from conceptual to detailed, requiring the efforts of experienced fuel designers, verification and validation of software, and established operating procedures. The combined efforts of aSMR technology companies, regulators, industry partners, and existing fuel fabricators will ensure the efficient and safe qualification of advanced fuels for the deployment of the next generation of nuclear reactors.