Molten Salt Reactor - Disadvantages

Disadvantages

Note: Many of the research and development efforts in coming decades will be aimed at fixing these problems, as such some may be solved or their effect may be lessened. New problems are also likely to arise and may or may not be dealt with.

• Little development compared to most Gen IV designs - much is unknown.
• Need to operate an on-site chemical plant to manage core mixture and remove fission products.
• Lithium containing salts will cause significant tritium production (comparable with heavy water reactors), even if pure 7Li is used.
• Likely need for regulatory changes to deal with radically different design features.
• Corrosion may occur over many decades of reactor operation and could be problematic.
• Nickel and iron based alloys are prone to embrittelment under high neutron flux.