VVER — Vodo-Vodyanoy Energetichesky Reaktor (Water-Water Power Reactor)
Russian pressurized water reactor design, analogous to Western PWRs but with distinct engineering choices: hexagonal fuel assemblies, horizontal steam generators, and no liner in the pressure vessel. Modern VVER-1200 (Gen III+) features passive safety systems.
Key Stats
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VVER — Vodo-Vodyanoy Energetichesky Reaktor (Water-Water Power Reactor)
Design Overview
Russian pressurized water reactor design, analogous to Western PWRs but with distinct engineering choices: hexagonal fuel assemblies, horizontal steam generators, and no liner in the pressure vessel. Modern VVER-1200 (Gen III+) features passive safety systems.
Key Specifications
VVER-1000: ~1,000 MWe. VVER-1200: ~1,200 MWe. Operating pressure: ~160 bar. Horizontal steam generators.
Who Builds It
Rosatom / Atomenergoproekt (Russia)
Where It's Deployed
Russia, Ukraine, Finland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria, India, China, Iran, Belarus, Turkey, Egypt, Bangladesh
Advantages
Extensive operating experience. VVER-1200 Gen III+ passive safety. Competitive cost in export markets.
Disadvantages
Geopolitical fuel dependency on Russia. Western countries reducing VVER reliance post-2022. Complex fuel transition for existing operators.
Technology reference note · Second Atomic Age Nuclear Wiki Last updated: 2026-05-10
Sources
- IAEA - Advanced Reactors Information System (ARIS) [UNVERIFIED].pdf) — Detailed technical description of the VVER-1200 design.
- World Nuclear Association - VVER Reactors [UNVERIFIED] — Overview of VVER technology and deployment history.
- Wikipedia - VVER — General information on VVER reactor designs and variants.
- Rosatom - VVER Technology [UNVERIFIED] — Official vendor information on VVER reactors and projects.
Sources (1)
Related Notes
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