China experimental fast reactor runs at full capacity

China's first sodium-cooled fast neutron reactor hit a milestone after operating at full capacity for 72 hours as of Thursday afternoon, a sign that China has fully mastered core technologies in fast reactor design.

Fast neutron reactors, also called fast reactors, use a closed nuclear fuel cycle to optimize uranium use and reduce waste.

"The achievement has laid a solid foundation for fast reactor technology development, commercialization and nuclear fuel cycle technology development," said Xu Dazhe, head of China Atomic Energy Authority and State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense.

Xu said further demonstrations should be carried out to hasten industrialization and commercialization of the reactors.

The development of fast reactors is the second of China's three-step nuclear energy program, with the aim of cutting China's reliance on fossil fuel burning. China also intends to make fast reactors one of the priorities in its nuclear energy development program.

The 65-megawatt experimental fast reactor is one of few fast reactors that has been grid connected. It can achieve 20 megawatt of capacity in electricity generation.