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Science 10 February 1978:
Vol. 199. no. 4329, pp. 657 - 664
DOI: 10.1126/science.199.4329.657
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Articles

The CANDU Reactor System: An Appropriate Technology

J. A. L. Robertson 1

1 Assistant to the general manager, Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, Chalk River Nuclear Laboratories, Chalk River, Ontario, Canada K0J 1J0

CANDU power reactors are characterized by the combination of heavy water as moderator and pressure tubes to contain the fuel and coolant. Their excellent neutron economy provides the simplicity and low costs of once-through natural-uranium fueling. Future benefits include the prospect of a near-breeder thorium fuel cycle to provide security of fuel supply without the need to develop a new reactor such as the fast breeder. These and other features make the CANDU system an appropriate technology for countries, like Canada, of intermediate economic and industrial capacity.

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Science. ISSN 0036-8075 (print), 1095-9203 (online)