Why RAPHAEL ?

RAPHAEL - ReActor for Process heat, Hydrogen And ELectricity generation

In the context of worldwide depletion of fossil fuel resources, and CO₂ reduction objectives, Europe must invest in active R&D in order to assess the viability of nuclear fission as a future energy option. Continuing the work initiated by several smaller EU-supported projects since 1998, the RAPHAEL Integrated Project addresses the viability and performance issues of an innovative system for the next generation of power plants, the Very High Temperature Reactor (VHTR), which can supply both electricity and heat for industrial applications.

At present, nuclear fission is used only for generating electricity, which accounts for approximately one-third of the primary energy used in the world. To address the present and future situation with respect to fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions, future nuclear systems will need to satisfy much more ambitious goals than past and present plants. The VHTR technology can enable the nuclear option to address the whole energy spectrum and be consistent with the objectives of sustainability and safety of the next generation of power plants.

Because it produces energy at very high temperature using a smaller, safer reactor, the VHTR system to be developed in RAPHAEL can offer a wide range of competitive applications, including conventional electricity producers (encompassing small or medium-sized utilities), all industrial heat users, for CO₂-free hydrogen production, for chemical processes (refinery, aluminium production, etc.), and for lower temperature applications such as desalination or district heating. The VHTR also features inherent safety, waste minimisation solutions, fuel flexibility and cost effectiveness – all key assets regarding public acceptance of nuclear fission and its positive impact on the economy, the environment, and the security of energy supply in Europe.

The VHTR development will also give opportunities to bring to the market high performance materials and components that can provide spin-off and benefits to large sectors of industry.

> Download Project Presentation (from the project synopses "Euratom Research Projects & Training Activities, Vol. II").