MYRRHA - a fast reactor to be operated by the young generation

The planning of MYRRHA indicates that the project will be running within approximately 10 years and for a period of at least 30 years. These numbers clearly show that for the greater part of its lifetime the reactor will be operated by our generation. MYRRHA builds on the vast knowledge of previous generations and the practical experience of SCK•CEN in operating research reactors, and will generate data most valuable for the design of future fission and fusion reactors, and the closing of the fuel cycle. MYRRHA, the Multi-purpose hYbrid Research Reactor for High-tech Applications, is an innovative research facility that is able to carry out a wide variety of applications: (1) transmutation of minor actinides, (2) qualification of fuel for new reactors, (3) material testing for Gen IV and fusion reactors, (4) production of medical radio-isotopes and (5) silicon doping for renewable electrical power. By means of these applications MYRRHA is the successor of BR2, it will validate the ADS full concept and the use of heavy metal coolants. It is the responsibility of the young and next generations to operate these upcoming facilities but our duty to obtain the crucial data. To profit from nuclear applications in the coming decades, the safety of these systems obviously has to be guaranteed. Therefore, MYRRHA is being designed according to high safety and security standards based on the objectives of Gen IV reactors. The design of MYRRHA in its current form started in 1998. After developing the conceptual design with the aid of European Framework Programmes, the FEED started in 2013 with the support of an international engineering offices. In the coming years the design will be adjusted where needed, optimized and further detailed. For this, a skilled team of experienced and young scientists and engineers is fundamental.