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Gas-cooled Reactor, GCR

A nuclear reactor with gaseous coolant, usually helium or CO2. Reactors relying on thermal neutrons typically use graphite as a moderator (Magnox, pebble bed type, HTGR), while fast neutron reactors have no moderator and use helium as a coolant. The design allows the utilization of natural uranium, without the need for enrichment. The use of gas as a coolant increases safety (the gas does not boil) and also allows a high outlet temperature, which improves energy conversion.