PWR
Pressurized Water Reactor
Pressurized water reactor (PWR) uses high-pressure water as coolant and moderator, with steam generators separating primary and secondary circuits. Most common reactor type, ~300 GWe operating globally.
Core operates at 15 MPa, 300°C; 17x17 fuel assemblies, 3-5% enriched U. Refueling every 18-24 months, capacity factor >92%. Designs: Westinghouse AP1000 (1,100 MWe), Framatome EPR (1,650 MWe). Basis for 70% of US fleet.
Why it matters now
PWRs dominate restarts and uprates for 2025-2026 data center PPAs (e.g., Constellation-Microsoft). SMR PWRs like NuScale advance licensing, attracting CEG, OKLO investors.