Russia's state-owned nuclear corporation, Rosatom, has achieved a significant milestone with the shipment of over 1,000 tonnes of specialized components for its Brest-OD-300 lead-cooled fast reactor. This advanced Generation IV reactor, under construction at the Siberian Chemical Combine in Seversk, is a cornerstone of the ambitious "Breakthrough" project, which aims to demonstrate a closed nuclear fuel cycle.
The components, including the central void shell and inner casing for the core support barrel, are engineered for demanding operational conditions, capable of withstanding temperatures up to 600°C. This necessitates the use of advanced steels with exceptional mechanical strength and thermal resistance. The sheer scale of the project is evident, with the total machinery for the Brest-OD-300 expected to reach approximately 2,300 tonnes, and the entire installation, including reinforced concrete, weighing around 16,000 tonnes. The Brest-OD-300 reactor is slated for a physical launch in 2026, with grid connection anticipated in the first half of 2027. Complementing the reactor, the "Breakthrough" project also encompasses modules for fuel fabrication and reprocessing, planned for commissioning in 2025-2026 and 2030, respectively. This integrated approach is designed to showcase a closed nuclear fuel cycle, a critical step towards making nuclear energy more sustainable by reprocessing and reusing spent fuel, thereby easing concerns over limited uranium resources.
Rosatom's "Breakthrough" project is a comprehensive initiative to develop a new technological platform for the nuclear industry, including innovative reactor designs like the Brest-OD-300 and advancements in fuel production and radioactive waste management. The project's success is seen as crucial for strengthening Russia's global leadership in nuclear technologies and ensuring energy security. The development of mixed nitride uranium-plutonium fuel, derived from nuclear fuel cycle byproducts, is central to this strategy, aiming to enhance safety, expand fuel options, and significantly reduce radioactive waste.