Zero power reactors in support of current and future nuclear power systems

Zero-power reactors stand as indispensable tools for shaping the future of the nuclear industry. Addressing safety concerns, advancing reactor technology, mitigating proliferation risks, fostering education, and promoting economic viability, these reactors hold the key to unlocking the full potential of nuclear energy in a sustainable and responsible manner. As the world seeks cleaner and more efficient energy solutions, the importance of zero-power reactors cannot be overstated in charting the course for the nuclear industry’s future. The paper presents a short history of the various zero-power/zero-energy experimental facilities constructed and used worldwide. Many of the names seemed to be lost to history and archives, which means that all the experimental data carried in the those facilities is lost as well. However, re-introducing the various names can spark an interest in ”digging up” and revisit experiments of the past, which can help in the design of experiments and new systems in the future. It is clear that a new experimental facility should be built. The next frontier in zero-power reactor design envisions a design for versatility, this future concept addresses diverse energy needs while contributing to a sustainable and responsible nuclear energy landscape. This was demonstrated in the framework of the Zero-power Experimental PHYsics Reactor design proposed by French Atomic Energy Commission.