Proliferation Resistance and Physical Protection of the 6 Gen IV Nuclear Energy Systems - 2011

This report presents the status of proliferation resistance and physical protection (PR&PP) characteristics for each of the six nuclear energy systems selected by the Generation IV International Forum (GIF) for further research and development. The intent is to generate preliminary information about the PR&PP merits of each system and to recommend directions for optimizing their PR&PP performance.
The PR&PP Methodology, developed by the GIF Proliferation Resistance and Physical Protection Working Group (PRPPWG), provides a comprehensive framework and guidance for carrying out a system evaluation. This report was prepared jointly by the PRPPWG and the six GIF System Steering Committees (SSCs), and it is an outcome of workshop exchanges and white paper collaborations for each of the GIF system designs. For each design concept, the report catalogues the proliferation resistance aspects in terms of robustness against State-based threats associated with diversion of materials, misuse of facilities, breakout scenarios, and production in clandestine facilities. Similarly, for physical protection, this report catalogues the robustness against theft of material and sabotage by non-State actors.
The report captures the current salient features of the GIF system design concepts that impact their PR&PP performance. It identifies crosscutting studies to assess PR&PP design or operating features common to various GIF systems. In addition, it suggests beneficial characteristics of the design of future nuclear energy systems, beyond the nuclear island and power conversion system, that should be addressed in subsequent GIF activities.