UNGG reactor

UNGG reactor (Uranium Naturel Graphite Gaz) is a type of nuclear reactor that was developed in France. The UNGG reactor is a gas-cooled reactor that uses natural uranium as fuel and graphite as a moderator.

History

The UNGG reactor was developed in the 1950s and 1960s as part of France's efforts to achieve energy independence. The first UNGG reactor, the Marcoule G1, began operation in 1956. This was followed by the G2 and G3 reactors at Marcoule, and the Chinon A1, A2, and A3 reactors.

Design and Operation

The UNGG reactor is a type of gas-cooled reactor, which uses gas as a coolant to remove heat from the reactor core. The fuel used in the UNGG reactor is natural uranium, which is not enriched like the uranium used in many other types of reactors. The moderator used in the UNGG reactor is graphite, which slows down the neutrons produced in the reactor to increase the likelihood of them causing further fissions.

Decommissioning

The UNGG reactors were gradually phased out in favor of pressurized water reactors (PWRs), which are more efficient and safer. The last UNGG reactor was shut down in 1994. The decommissioning process for the UNGG reactors is complex and time-consuming, due to the high levels of radiation and the large amounts of radioactive waste produced by these reactors.

See Also

• Nuclear power in France
• Gas-cooled reactor
• Pressurized water reactor