What nuclear fission reactor design has the least environmental impact?

[ensabah6]

What nuclear fission reactor design has the least environmental impact? Including the building, operating, safety, and amount of pollution produced?

I'd imagine IFR/breeder reactors as they burn actinides.

 

[rdt2]

Current thoughts on where nuclear reactors are going are summarised at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generation_IV_reactor . Obviously, environmental impact is one factor in this but not the only one.

 

[ravenprp]

They also produce relatively little waste and have a higher efficiency.There is no definitive answer to this question as it ultimately depends on various factors such as location, regulations, and design specifics. However, some experts argue that Integral Fast Reactors (IFRs) or breeder reactors have the potential to have the least environmental impact. This is because they have the ability to burn actinides, which are long-lived radioactive elements found in nuclear waste. By doing so, they can significantly reduce the amount of waste produced, making them a more sustainable option in the long run.

IFRs also have a higher efficiency compared to traditional nuclear reactors, meaning they can produce more energy with less fuel. This not only reduces the amount of waste produced but also decreases the need for mining and processing of uranium, which can have negative environmental impacts.

In terms of safety, IFRs have built-in safety features such as a passive cooling system that can prevent accidents like the one that occurred at Chernobyl. They also have a smaller core size, making it easier to control and mitigate any potential accidents.

Furthermore, IFRs have the potential to reduce the environmental impact of building and operating a nuclear power plant. This is because they require less land and water compared to traditional reactors, and their smaller size makes them easier to construct and maintain.

Overall, while there is no perfect nuclear fission reactor design with zero environmental impact, IFRs or breeder reactors have the potential to minimize the negative environmental effects associated with nuclear power. However, it is important to continue researching and improving all types of nuclear reactor designs to ensure the safest and most sustainable energy source for the future.