This is an issue with any new technology at this point in time. No matter how good it is, it will take time to shake out all of the problems, and other technologies will have a head-start. During the shake-out period, it is usually best not to replicate the technology in huge numbers, since it is likely that the initial version of the technology will be sub-optimal.

In a way, it would be better if this technology (or any new technology) were being tried in several places around the world, all of whom shared their experiences with each other. With something very expensive to make and test, this is difficult to do.

The technology being used in the SVBR-100 was developed over many years as the Russians mastered the challenges of working with the lead-bismuth coolant which is very corrosive. The key to their successes and their confidence in that technology is based on the development of systems that maintain careful control over the oxygen level that is present in the coolant. For information on this see Chapter 4 (Chemistry Control and Monitoring Systems) in Handbook on Lead-bismuth Eutectic Alloy and Lead Properties, Materials Compatibility, Thermal-hydraulics and Technologies.(OECD 2007 - NEA No. 6195)