The secure, transportable, autonomous reactor (STAR): a small proliferation-resistant reactor system for developing countries

The Secure, Transportable, Autonomous Reactor (STAR), is an integrated concept for a small, proliferation-resistant nuclear power system capable of meeting the growing power demands of many regions of the developing world. The STAR approach builds on earlier work investigating the features required for implementation of such a system. The STAR approach includes establishing overall system requirements, conducting research into issues common to four reactor concepts (gas, liquid metal, light water and molten salt), and defining and performing the down-selection to a preferred concept that will serve as the basis for continued development leading to an eventual prototype. The paper indicates that a number of unique and distinguishing innovations are needed to both meet the energy demands of most of the world's developing regions and address growing nuclear proliferation concerns. These technical innovations form much of the basis underlying the STAR concept and include: eliminating on-site refueling and fuel access; incorporating a systems approach to nuclear energy supply and infrastructure design, with all aspects of equipment life, fuel and waste cycles included; small unit size enabling transportability; replaceable standardized modular design; resilient and robust design concepts leading to large safety margins, high reliability and reduced maintenance; simplicity in operation with reliance more » on autonomous control and remote monitoring; and waste minimization and waste form optimization. « less