Fast Reactor R&D
The development of sodium-cooled fast reactors (SFR) in China started in the 1960s. In 1987, the China Experimental Fast Reactor (CEFR) project was included in the National High Technology Research and Development Program (or "863 Program"). The project was coordinated by CNNC and implemented by CIAE. The reactor was connected to the grid on July 21, 2011, with a rated power of 20 MWe (65 MWt). The implementation of this project enabled the development of a set of codes and standards for fast reactors. A software library for SFR design and safety assessment has been established. Dozens of experimental devices have been developed for research in the fields of fast reactor physics, thermal engineering, mechanics, safety, materials, nuclear fuel and equipment building, with localization rate reaching up to 70%.
Under a "three-step" (experimental – demonstration – commercial) SFR development program, the construction of the China Demonstration Fast Reactor (CFR600) started in Xiapu, Fujian Province in December 2017, and the project has now entered its installation phase. Its completion will lay the groundwork for the development of commercial MOX-fueled SFRs.
快堆技术研发
中国钠冷快堆技术研发起步于 20世纪 60年代。 1987年，中国实验快堆（ CEFR）项目被纳入国家“ 863”计划。该项目由中核集团组织，中国原子能科学研究院具体实施，于 2011年 7月 21日实现首次并网发电，额定功率 20MWe（65MWt）。通过项目实施，建立了一套快堆标准规范体系，开发了一套钠冷快堆设计和安全评价的软件库，建成可开展快堆物理、热工、力学、安全、材料、燃料、设备等方面研究的几十套实验装置，设备国产化率达到 70％。
按照钠冷快堆实验堆—示范堆—商用堆“三步走”发展计划， 2017年 12月中国示范快堆（ CFR600）在福建霞浦开工建设，目前已进入设备安装阶段。示范快堆的建设和运行，将为使用 MOX燃料的钠冷商业快堆的发展奠定基础。