Technology Type

The Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) is the most common nuclear reactor technology worldwide, representing approximately 80% of operating commercial reactors.

PWRs use ordinary water as both moderator and coolant, with two internal cooling circuits: a primary circuit where pressurized water extracts heat from the nuclear fuel in the reactor core, and a secondary circuit where the heat is transferred to generate steam for electricity production.

The design uses enriched uranium (about 3.2% U-235) as fuel, contained in a pressure vessel along with control rods and coolant.