The UK Fast Breeder Programme

In this contribution to the debate on the fast breeder programme, I shall confine myself to a factual and simple statement of what fast breeder reactors are, how they work and how their operation is intimately linked to the operation of the fast reactor fuel cycle. I shall keep this presentation as simple as possible. I do not apologise for that; there is so much about fast breeder reactors which, in general discussions, is not well understood or is misrepresented that it seems worthwhile establishing some simple and relatively straightforward points as soon as possible. Open image in new window Figure 8.1 Outline of a fast reactor