China has taken a significant step in nuclear technology with the development of the CFR-1000 fast neutron reactor, a design capable of generating 1.2 gigawatts of power—enough to supply electricity to around one million homes. While the reactor is still under development and not expected to become operational until 2034, it highlights a broader global trend: the push toward advanced nuclear systems that aim to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
Unlike traditional reactors, which rely on slow neutrons and produce large volumes of long-lived radioactive waste, the CFR-1000 is designed to operate with fast neutrons. This allows it to “breed” new fuel, such as plutonium-239, from non-fissile uranium-238. In practice, this means greater fuel efficiency and the potential to recycle some nuclear waste.
Continue reading… “China’s CFR-1000 Reactor: A Measured Step Toward the Next Era of Nuclear Power”