Nuclear Energy
Reactor Technology
Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR)
The most widely deployed reactor type globally. A pressurized water reactor uses ordinary water as both coolant and neutron moderator. The primary loop maintains high pressure to prevent boiling, transferring heat to a secondary loop that generates steam for electricity production.
Key Features
- Positive void coefficient
- Separate primary and secondary loops
- Robust containment structures
- Proven track record with 60+ year operational history
Capacity
1,000 – 1,700 MWe
Deployment
30+ countries
Boiling Water Reactor (BWR)
In a boiling water reactor, water boils directly in the reactor core, and the resulting steam drives the turbine. This simpler design eliminates the need for steam generators, reducing complexity while maintaining excellent safety characteristics.
Key Features
- Direct steam cycle
- Simpler design with fewer components
- Excellent operational flexibility
- Advanced variants include passive safety systems
Capacity
600 – 1,400 MWe
Deployment
10+ countries
Gen III+ Advanced Reactors
Gen III+ reactors represent the latest evolution in large-scale nuclear plants. They incorporate passive safety systems that rely on natural forces — gravity, convection, and natural circulation — to maintain safety without operator intervention or external power.
Key Features
- Passive safety systems
- 60-year design life
- Enhanced seismic and flood protection
- Simplified construction with modular techniques
Capacity
1,100 – 1,750 MWe
Deployment
Select new-build markets
Generation IV Reactors
Generation IV reactors are advanced designs currently in development that promise significant improvements in safety, sustainability, economics, and proliferation resistance. These reactors can use alternative coolants such as molten salt, sodium, or gas, and can operate at much higher temperatures.
Key Features
- Operating temperatures above 700°C
- Potential for hydrogen production
- Reduced nuclear waste volume
- Enhanced fuel utilization
Capacity
100 – 1,500 MWe
Deployment
International R&D consortia
Small Modular Reactors (SMR)
Small Modular Reactors are compact nuclear plants designed for factory fabrication and modular deployment. Their smaller size allows for incremental capacity additions, remote site deployment, and integration with industrial processes beyond electricity generation.
Key Features
- Factory-built modules
- Flexible siting options
- Load-following capability
- Potential for district heating and desalination
Capacity
50 – 300 MWe
Deployment
Multiple licensing programs
Technology Comparison
A side-by-side view of key reactor technologies.
| Metric | PWR | BWR | Gen III+ | SMR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical Capacity | 1,000–1,700 MWe | 600–1,400 MWe | 1,100–1,750 MWe | 50–300 MWe |
| Coolant | Light Water | Light Water | Light Water | Varies |
| Passive Safety | In Gen III+ | In Gen III+ | Standard | Standard |
| Design Life | 40–60 years | 40–60 years | 60+ years | 40–60 years |
| Construction | On-site | On-site | On-site / Modular | Factory / Modular |
| Deployment Scale | Large Grid | Large Grid | Large Grid | Flexible / Remote |
Interested in Our Technology?
Learn about the advanced reactors we are developing for the next generation of clean energy.