Advanced nuclear reactor technology

Advanced nuclear reactor technology comprises reactor designs and systems intended to improve safety, efficiency, fuel use, operating temperature, or waste management beyond conventional commercial reactors.

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Nuclear fission: Nuclear fission is the splitting of an atomic nucleus into lighter nuclei, releasing energy and usually additional neutrons. Fission supplies the heat and neutrons that advanced reactor designs seek to manage more effectively.
Molten salt reactor: A molten salt reactor uses molten salt as a coolant, fuel carrier, or both. Some concepts circulate fuel dissolved in salt, while others cool solid fuel with salt.
Nuclear desalination: Nuclear desalination uses heat or electricity from a nuclear plant to remove salts from water. Reactor heat and power can support water production, especially where freshwater is scarce.
Pressurized water reactor: A pressurized water reactor uses high-pressure water as both coolant and neutron moderator. It is the dominant commercial reactor type and a benchmark for proposed alternatives.
Nuclear reactor: A nuclear reactor sustains controlled nuclear fission to produce heat or a neutron flux. Advanced designs modify the core systems and operating conditions of the broader reactor class.
Sodium-cooled fast reactor: A sodium-cooled fast reactor uses liquid sodium coolant and a fast-neutron spectrum. Liquid sodium enables low-pressure heat transfer, while its chemical reactivity creates design challenges.
Nuclear process heat: Nuclear process heat is thermal energy from a reactor used directly in industrial processes. High-temperature reactor concepts target applications that ordinary power reactors cannot readily supply.
Boiling water reactor: A boiling water reactor uses water that boils in the core to drive a turbine directly. Its established light-water configuration differs from many advanced coolant and cycle choices.
Reactor coolant: A reactor coolant transfers heat away from a nuclear reactor core. Coolant choice shapes operating temperature, pressure, materials demands, and safety behavior.
Lead-cooled fast reactor: A lead-cooled fast reactor uses liquid lead or lead-bismuth coolant with a fast-neutron spectrum. Heavy liquid metal coolant supports low-pressure operation but imposes corrosion and materials demands.