Generation III
Generation III reactors are evolutionary LWR designs with enhanced safety over Gen II, featuring 60-year life and higher burnup.
Gen III includes ABWR (1.3 GWe, 39-month build) and System 80+; certified 1997-1999. They incorporate probabilistic risk assessment, improved ECCS, and core damage frequency <10^-5/yr. Deployed in Japan (6 ABWRs); bridge to III+ with passive features. Part of IAEA/NEA classification from 1990s.
Why it matters now
Gen III supports 2025-2026 life extensions amid SMR delays. Enables restarts like Palisades for hyperscaler PPAs.