Prototype fast breeder reactor | Nuclear paradox

A fast breeder reactor (FBR) gets its name from two features. First, it ‘breeds’ more nuclear fuel than it consumes. Second, it uses fast neutrons — ones that haven’t been slowed — to initiate nuclear fission.

France began building an FBR called Superphénix in 1976. After spending around $10 billion, the reactor became critical in 1985 and commercial in 1986. It operated for 11 years. However, it produced less than 20% of the energy it was capable of producing and, in all, met under 1% of France’s electricity demand. Superphénix also spent 25 months on technical fixes and didn’t run for 66 months for political reasons. At this time, the spot price of uranium also dropped from $40 a pound to $15, wiping out its rationale for saving uranium.