..." In fact, according to the UCS report, sodium-cooled fast reactors
such as the Natrium would likely be less “uranium-efficient.” They would
not reduce the amount of waste that requires long-term isolation in a
geologic repository. They also could experience safety problems that are
not an issue for light-water reactors. Sodium coolant, for example, can
burn when exposed to air or water, and a sodium-cooled fast reactor
could experience uncontrollable power increases that result in rapid
core melting.
“When it comes to safety and security, sodium-cooled fast reactors
and molten salt-fueled reactors are significantly worse than
conventional light-water reactors,” says Dr. Lyman. “High-temperature,
gas-cooled reactors may have the potential to be safer, but that remains
unproven, and problems have come up during recent fuel safety tests.”....
