goingcritical:phenixFrance · Power reactor

Phénix

Developer: CEA / EDF

Site: Marcoule, Gard

Status: Critical since August 31, 1973 critical

Summary:

France's prototype fast breeder; first commercial-pilot-scale breeder connected to a national grid

Details

DesignSodium-cooled fast breeder reactor
Capacity233 MWe

Milestone history

  1. Announced —
  2. Construction start —
  3. Fuel load —
  4. First criticality August 31, 1973
  5. Grid connection December 13, 1973
  6. Commercial operation July 14, 1974

References

  1. IAEA Bulletin, The Phénix Reactor, France (criticality 8:15 a.m., 31 August 1973)
  2. World Nuclear Association reactor database, Phénix