ABSTRACT
There is a widespread perception that existing water-, gas-, and liquid-metal-cooled reactor systems can meet present safety standards quite adequately, and are expected to do so for the foreseeable future. Nevertheless, it is essential to continue the search for greater safety because (1) no opportunity to improve technology should be ignored, (2) safety standards may be raised by the regulatory authorities, (3) nuclear power plants (NPPs) suitable for countries or regions with a less developed infrastructure will be needed, and (4) more cost-effective ways of meeting existing safety standards may be found.
