Nuclear Seminar: Dr. Dominque Greneche
All dates for this event occur in the past.
Title:
Overview of the Current French Nuclear Industrial Challenges and R&D Programs
Abstract:
This presentation will provide an overview of the French nuclear program, from its origin to nowadays with a view on near-term perspectives. It will briefly review the genesis of nuclear energy in France and then present a survey of the current status of nuclear industry and facilities in this country. This review will cover in particular the status of the design and industrial development of Gen-III reactors. It also will address the specific issue of the back-end of the fuel cycle and waste management. It will be shown why a “closed fuel cycle” has been always viewed in France as a national interest issue by policy makers and industrial actors and why recycling enables the industry to exploit all environmental assets of nuclear energy and helps to make the concept of sustainable energy a reality. The last part of this presentation will provide a brief overview of R&D programs aimed at supporting future developments to further improve cost effectiveness and efficiency of spent fuel recycling and to prepare the transition between Gen-III and Gen-IV reactors.
Bio:
Dominique Greneche received his Ph.D. in nuclear physics from the University of Paris in 1973. He worked for 25 years at the CEA (French Atomic Energy Commission), where he carried out a number of studies on nuclear reactor physics, particularly on the thorium cycle and core calculation methods. In 1988, he joined the Nuclear Protection and Safety Institute where he chaired the department for safety analysis of waste management in France. From 1995 to 1998, he was the counselor for nuclear affairs at the cabinet of the French "High Commissioner for Atomic Energy". Then he worked for 10 years at AREVA NC (fuel cycle division of AREVA), where he was Deputy Director for scientific and technical international development. In this position he was particularly deeply involved in the Gen-IV roadmap since the very beginning of this international project and he was also involved in nonproliferation issues. He took various leading positions in different international organizations, such as the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency). Dr. Greneche has published numerous strategic or technical papers. He also is Professor of reactor physics and nuclear energy in different engineering schools. Dr. Greneche is a member of board of Directors of the American Nuclear Society (ANS).
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