ABWRs

ABWRs, or Advanced Boiling Water Reactors, are a type of nuclear reactor designed by General Electric (GE) Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GENE). They are an evolution of the earlier BWR designs, incorporating advanced safety features and improved efficiency. ABWRs use light water as both the coolant and the neutron moderator, and they operate at a higher pressure and temperature than traditional BWRs, which allows for greater thermal efficiency.

One of the key features of ABWRs is their passive safety systems. These systems rely on natural physical forces, such as gravity and natural circulation, to cool the reactor core in the event of an accident. This design eliminates the need for active systems that require electricity to operate, making ABWRs more reliable and safer. Other safety features include a double-walled containment vessel, which provides an additional barrier to prevent the release of radioactive materials, and a robust seismic design to withstand earthquakes.

ABWRs also incorporate advanced fuel management systems, which allow for more efficient use of fuel and reduced waste. The reactors can operate with a variety of fuel types, including mixed oxide (MOX) fuel, which contains both uranium and plutonium.

ABWRs have been built in several countries, including Japan, the United States, and South Korea. The first ABWR was commissioned in Japan in 2004, and as of 2021, there are over 20 ABWRs in operation worldwide. The reactors have a proven track record of safety and reliability, with no major incidents or accidents reported.