Energy: what is a breeder reactor?
Self-tutoring about nuclear energy: the tutor mentions the concept of a breeder reactor.
The following is by my understanding, and likely a simplification.
A problem of some nuclear reactor designs is that they require specific fuel that is, in nature, quite rare. U-235 is an example of such rare fuel. A breeder reactor is a possible solution to the scarcity of U-235.
A breeder reactor may need some U-235 to start with. In the breeder, U-235 is used to irradiate, for instance, U-238. U-238 is much more common in nature, but can’t function as a standalone fuel in some reactors. Yet, once U-238 receives said radiation, it can transmute into Pu-239, which shares the utility of U-235.
The breeder reactor’s aim, therefore, is not to produce energy, but rather to produce more fuel for nuclear power generation facilities.
As of now, it seems, breeder reactors are mainly experimental. The UK, France, Russia, Japan, and the USA all have, or have had, them.
Source:
Jack of Oracle Tutoring by Jack and Diane, Campbell River, BC.