Chapter 1 - Present Generation Reactors

Abstract

Early days of nuclear power development included light water, heavy water, gas reactor and liquid metal-cooled fast reactor systems. This chapter deals with generation reactors. It summarizes and reviews the designs of currently operating reactor systems. It presents the achievements of the technologies to date. It also sheds light on the principal reactors in operation today including light, heavy water, gas and other reactor types that have operated successfully, e.g. liquid metal-cooled reactors. The majority of the reactors in operation in the world today are light water reactors (LWRs) but there is also a sizeable fraction of heavy water reactors. Most of these reactors were built in the 1970s and 80s; only a few new reactors have been built during the last decade. Regarding other types, gas reactors continue to operate in the UK. There are only one or two prototype fast reactors still in operation, although interestingly both gas and fast systems are now starting to be reconsidered for next generation plants. These are dealt with in the chapter.