VVER
Vodo-Vodyanoi Energetichesky Reactor
VVER is a Russian pressurized water reactor (PWR) family using light water coolant and moderator in a vertical steam generator design.
VVERs feature four primary loops in larger models like VVER-1200 (1,200 MWe), with 3.3-4.95% enriched fuel in hexagonal assemblies. Over 30 units operate globally, including exports to China, India, and Turkey. Enhanced safety post-Chernobyl includes passive core flooding.
Why it matters now
Rosatom's VVER-1200 units are key to new builds in Eastern Europe and Asia, with SMR variant VVER-300 pursuing 2025 deployments amid HALEU supply constraints.