Japan-france collaboration on the astrid program and sodium fast reactor
Résumé
Abstract The ASTRID project started in 2010. In the ASTRID Preconceptual Design phase (AVP1) ended 2012, the aim was to evaluate innovative options considering the GENIV criteria. It is now followed by conceptual design, called AVP2 phase till the end of 2015 which objectives are to focus the design options in order to finalize a coherent reactor outline.In the RandD field, first versions of qualification programs for both reference calculation tools and technologies are also to be issued before the end of AVP2 phase.Ten French and international industrial partners already joined the project from 2010 to 2013 and many others are also effective in the RandD in support of ASTRID. A new partnership is now effective on both topics with Japan. This collaboration on the ASTRID Program and Sodium Fast Reactor has been set up in two steps the signature of a General Arrangement between CEA and MEXT and METI Japanese Ministers on the 5th May of 2014 in the presence of the French President Francois HOLLANDE and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo ABE. In a second step, an Implementing Arrangement was signed on August 7 by CEA, AREVA, JAEA, MHI and MFBR.This collaboration of a significant level is foreseen to run at least up to the end of 2019. Collaborative work is described (input data, planning and deliverables) in 29 Task Sheets covering ASTRID design (3 Tasksheets) and RandD (26 tasks Sheets).This collaboration on the ASTRID Program and Sodium Fast Reactor is now fully integrated in the ASTRID program organization. In addition a specific Joint Team (CEA, AREVA, JAEA, MHI and MFBR) has been created to follow specifically Japanese contribution and develop evaluations of common interest to orientate future work and contribute to ASTRID options confirmation and be of interest for the future Japanese Fast Breeder reactor.