The main characteristics of the BREST reactor are passive safety and a closed fuel cycle.
[2] Lead is chosen as a coolant for being high-boiling, radiation-resistant, low-activated and at atmospheric pressure.
[7][8] The combination of a heat-conducting nitride fuel and the properties of the lead coolant allow for complete plutonium breeding inside the core.
In simpler terms, the uranium 238 in the core is converted to plutonium, which itself will undergo an effective fission in the fast neutron spectrum.
In November 2024, installation work has begun for the condenser in the turbine hall.