Realization of a new large research infrastructure in Belgium: MYRRHA contribution for closing the nuclear fuel cycle making nuclear energy sustainable

Abstract

In order to provide an appropriate level of energy to the whole world, nuclear energy is still going to play an important role. Nuclear energy can help reducing the CO2 emissions, which today are excessive. The problematics of nuclear waste can be solved using long-term geological storage in deep suitable formations. Partitioning and transmutation can help reducing the radiotoxicity of spent fuel to more acceptable durations of time. The MYRRHA project investigates since more than 20 years the possibility to demonstrate transmutation at a reasonable power level. In this paper we present the current state of the MYRRHA reactor design and the associated research and development activities.