Status of U.S. Fast Reactor Research and Technology
Abstract: An overview of fast reactor demonstration and R&D efforts in the U.S. will be provided by Dr. Bo Feng, the National Technical Director of the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Energy (DOE-NE) Fast Reactor Program and the manager of the Reactor and Fuel Cycle Analysis Group at Argonne National Laboratory. Dr. Feng will discuss the country's clean energy goals, recent bipartisan government support for new nuclear, the ongoing private/public partnerships on fast reactor demonstrations, recent updates from fast reactor companies, and lastly, the important fast reactor R&D activities led by the national laboratories.
Bio: Bo Feng manages the Reactor and Fuel Cycle Analysis group within the Nuclear Science and Engineering Division and serves as the National Technical Director for DOE-NE’s Fast Reactor R&D Program, a role that oversees a multi-laboratory R&D portfolio that includes fast reactor technology development and testing, methods validation and database development, and advanced material qualification activities. Throughout his career, his research has focused primarily on reactor physics analysis, advanced reactor core design, radiation transport, and fuel cycle systems modeling. Bo has received several laboratory and national level awards for his research including Secretary of Energy’s Honor Award (2020), Argonne Director’s Award (2016), DOE’s Fuel Cycle R&D Excellence Award (2014), and ANS Thermal Hydraulic Division’s Best Paper Award (2009). Dr. Feng has a PhD in Nuclear Engineering from MIT.
