GFR
Gas-cooled Fast Reactor
Gas-cooled Fast Reactor (GFR) is a Generation IV design using helium coolant and fast neutrons for high-temperature operation and fuel breeding from depleted uranium.
GFRs target outlet temperatures of 850°C with a fast spectrum for actinide burning and breeding ratios >1. They feature a core with plate-type fuel, helium at 7 MPa, and indirect steam cycle. No prototypes exist; concepts derive from earlier gas-cooled reactors like AGR but with fast spectrum. Part of six Gen IV systems selected in 2002 by GIF.
Why it matters now
GFRs offer waste reduction potential amid 2025 HALEU supply constraints for fast reactors. Interest grows with Gen IV R&D funding, though commercialization lags behind SMRs like Natrium.