Generation IV nuclear energy systems are future, next-generation technologies that will compete in all markets with the most cost-effective technologies expected to be available over the next three decades.

Comparative advantages include reduced capital cost, enhanced nuclear safety, minimal generation of nuclear waste, and further reduction of the risk of weapons materials proliferation. Generation IV systems are intended to be responsive to the needs of a broad range of nations and users. The purpose of Gen IV is to develop nuclear energy systems that would be available for worldwide deployment by 2030 or earlier.

The Generation IV Systems selected by the GIF for further study are:

• Gas-Cooled Fast Reactor (GFR)
  features a fast-neutron-spectrum, helium-cooled reactor and closed fuel cycle
  INEEL contact: Kevan Weaver, weavkd@inel.gov
  

• Very-High-Temperature Reactor (VHTR)
  a graphite-moderated, helium-cooled reactor with a once-through uranium fuel cycle
  INEEL contact: Finis Southworth, fin@inel.gov
  

• Supercritical-Water-Cooled Reactor (SCWR)
  a high-temperature, high-pressure water-wooled reactor that operates above the thermodynamic critical point of water
  INEEL contact: Jacopo Buongiorno, buonj@inel.gov
  

• Sodium-Cooled Fast Reactor (SFR)
  features a fast-spectrum, sodium-cooled reactor and closed fuel cycle for efficient management of actinides and conversion of fertile uranium
  INEEL contact: John Ryskamp, jmr@inel.gov
  

• Lead-Cooled Fast Reactor (LFR)
  features a fast-soectrum lead of lead/bismuth eutectic liquid metal-cooled reactor and a closed fuel cycle for efficient conversion of fertile uranium and management of actinides
  INEEL contact: Kevan Weaver, weavkd@inel.gov
  

• Molten Salt Reactor (MSR)
  produces fission power in a circulating molten salt fuel mixture with an epithermal-spectrum reactor and a full actinide recycle fuel cycle
  INEEL contact: Tom Dolan, dolatj@inel.gov
  

These systems offer significant advances in sustainability, safety and reliability, economics, proliferation resistance and physical protection. The INEEL is integrating long-term research and development for nuclear technology.