THE FATE of France’s fast-breeder nuclear reactor, Superphenix, is hanging
in the balance after the latest in a long series of technical problems has
led to it being closed down for several months. Since it was linked to the
grid in January 1986, Superphenix has worked properly for only six months.
In the latest incident air entered the liquid sodium circuit for two
weeks, thickening it. Liquid sodium cools the reactor. A previous leak closed
the plant for over 18 months.
