Developments of helium-cooled reactor systems

High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor (HTGR) prototypes with a conventional steam cycle have been in operation since 1967; commercial stations are now starting or are under construction. The high helium temperature can also be used in a direct gas turbine cycle or for a number of process heat applications. Such systems are now under design in the U.S. and overseas. Helium cooling for fast breeders is also presently under development in a number of countries. Gas-Cooled Fast Breeder Reactors producing excess U-233 as makeup fuel for HTGRs lead to an overall system which makes most efficient and economic use of existing ore and water resources.