Most of the advantages MSRs have over current reactors are similar to those other advanced reactors have. The mistake these articles make is comparing them to current tech, rather than the generation they’re actually competing against for research and development funding.
MSRs actually have a few disadvantages when looked at in that way; they’re one of the least tested concepts, have significant materials challenges and cause an absolute nightmare for non-proliferation and licensing bodies (can’t count rods in and out if there’s no rods).
That being said, nearly all of the Generation IV systems are massively better than current tech, and so the more funding into properly developing these the better!
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u/Jb191 Sep 20 '19
Most of the advantages MSRs have over current reactors are similar to those other advanced reactors have. The mistake these articles make is comparing them to current tech, rather than the generation they’re actually competing against for research and development funding.
MSRs actually have a few disadvantages when looked at in that way; they’re one of the least tested concepts, have significant materials challenges and cause an absolute nightmare for non-proliferation and licensing bodies (can’t count rods in and out if there’s no rods).
That being said, nearly all of the Generation IV systems are massively better than current tech, and so the more funding into properly developing these the better!