Proliferation-Resistant, Walk-Away-Safe, Light Water Reactor Concept for Emerging Economies

The Atoms for Peace Reactor (AFPR-100) concept is a small-scale (100MWe), passively-safe, proliferation-resistant reactor that was conceived for deployment to nations with emerging economies that select nuclear power for the generation of carbon-free electricity. The basic concept of the AFPR core is a pressurized-water-cooled fixed particle bed, randomly packed with spherical cermet fuel elements. The cermet fuel elements are composed of UO2 fuel kernels embedded in a spherical zirconium matrix and surrounded by a corrosion-resistant Zrbase alloy. The principal advantage of this concept is that it relies heavily on proven pressurized water reactor technology and existing fuels and materials. The low enriched uranium cermet fuel allows for a 20+ year core-life, high fuel burnup, and enhanced safety margins compared to conventional LWRs. Access to the interior of the reactor vessel is limited as a result of the long core life, reducing opportunities to divert special nuclear materials and greatly simplifying IAEA verification requirements.