Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR)
Light Water family · Generation II / III / III+ · Commercial — dominant
The most common reactor worldwide. Water kept under high pressure stays liquid and carries heat to a separate steam generator, keeping the turbine loop non-radioactive.
How it works — schematic
🚧 Diagram in progress Simplified schematic for orientation, not an engineering drawing — we're actively refining these for accuracy.
Key specs
- Coolant
- Pressurized water
- Moderator
- Water
- Fuel
- Low-enriched UO₂ (3–5% U-235)
- Spectrum
- Thermal
- Outlet temp
- ~325 °C
- Status
- Commercial — dominant
Real-world examples
- • Vogtle 3 & 4 (AP1000)
- • Most US & French reactors
- • Barakah (APR-1400)
Strengths
- + Mature, well-understood
- + Non-radioactive secondary loop
- + Strong operating record
Trade-offs
- – High-pressure systems
- – Large containment needed
- – Capital-intensive