10 Role of the breeder reactor system in the European Community

This is a shortened version of a report prepared by a Working party of experts from both UNIPEDE (International Union of the Electric Power Producers and Distributors) and the CEC (Commission of the European Communities) for the Fast Reactor Coordinating Committee. The report is in two parts. The first part presents studies of the possible future penetration of fast reactors into the electricity generating systems of the European Community and illustrates the effects on the demand for natural uranium. The sensitivity of the results to different assumptions in several key areas is investigated: these areas include the future level of electricity demand and the performance achieved by the fast reactor and its fuel cycle. The second part of the report describes the current state of development of fast reactor fuel reprocessing, an area shown to be of crucial importance. The report concludes that provided nuclear power develops without undue restriction there is a continuing need within the European Area to develop the fast reactor and its fuel cycle. The importance of striking a balance between the allocation of resources to reactor and to fuel cycle development is stressed by the report.