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158 Managing Global Warming

(2) An intermediate-to-large size (300–1500MW el ) pool-type reactor with oxide or metal
fuel and
(3) A small size (50–150MW el ) modular-type reactor with uranium-plutonium-minor-
actinide-zirconium metal-alloy fuel, supported by a fuel cycle based on pyrometallurgical
processing in facilities integrated with the reactor.

4.3.5.4 Lead-cooled fast reactor

The LFR (see Fig. 4.33) is characterized by a fast-neutron spectrum, a closed fuel
cycle with full actinide recycling, possibly in central or regional fuel-cycle facilities,
and high-temperature operation at low pressure. The coolant may be either lead (pre-
ferred option) or lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE). The LFR may be operated as a breeder,
a burner of actinides from spent fuel, using inert matrix fuel, or a burner/breeder using
thorium matrices. Two reactor size options are considered: a small 50–150MW el
transportable system with a very long core life, and a medium 300–600MW el system.

Fig. 4.33 Lead-cooled fast reactor (LFR): Molten-lead-cooled, fast-neutron-spectrum reactor
with closed fuel cycle and outlet temperatures within 500–550°C (shown with indirect
Brayton power cycle).
Courtesy of Generation IV International Forum.