Novas tecnologias de combustíveis nucleares para reatores da geração IV: os desafios do futuro da energia nuclear

Abstract

The development of new fuel technologies for fourth-generation nuclear reactors has been a constantly evolving area of research. These technologies aim to improve the efficiency and safety of nuclear reactors, as well as reducing the amount of radioactive waste generated. Among the technologies under development, molten salt reactors, ball core reactors and generation IV reactors stand out. Among the types of advanced fuels for fourth generation reactors, those based on mixed oxide, based on metal nitride, based on metal carbide and based on ionic liquid stand out, which will be further detailed in their respective chapters. These new fuels stand out for their ability to improve the thermal performance of reactors, allowing more efficient use, as well as a lower tendency for the formation of unstable fission products, thus reducing the possibility of nuclear accidents. Another characteristic comes from the lower production of radioactive by-products, thus reducing the amount of radioactive waste generated during the energy generation process. Some of these fuels have properties that allow the transmutation of existing radioactive waste into less dangerous elements. In this context of new technologies in the nuclear area, several opportunities arise for Brazil, due to its great capacity for uranium prospecting, counting on investment and initiative from the MME (Ministry of Energy), in addition to mastering the fuel cycle, placing our country in a global context of protagonism in the nuclear area. However, the development of new fuel technologies for fourth generation nuclear reactors faces important technical and scientific challenges. One of these challenges is related to the need to find materials capable of withstanding the high temperatures and pressures present in nuclear reactors. It is also necessary to develop efficient methods for the large-scale production of these fuels, in order to enable their use on a commercial scale, therefore it is extremely important to continue research and studies in the nuclear area, counting on investments from all sectors of society to Brazil's sustainable development in the nuclear area.