Nuclear Reactor Safety and Sustainability

This lecture by the instructor covers new nuclear reactor concepts for improved safety and sustainability. It discusses the limitations of current LWR technology, the importance of fuel breeding and actinide recycling, and the need for fast reactors or alternative Uranium-Thorium cycles. The lecture also delves into nuclear safety aspects, focusing on accident sequences, safety goals, and lessons learned from events like Fukushima. It explores the challenges and advantages of Generation-IV reactor systems, including high-temperature reactors, MSR, and small modular reactors. The presentation concludes with a discussion on the future challenges facing nuclear systems, such as complete fuel cycle closure, economic performance, and safety improvements.