What's the largest nuclear reactor that was built?

2023 Jan 23

The largest nuclear reactor ever built is the EPR (European Pressurized Reactor), also known as the Evolutionary Power Reactor. The EPR is a third-generation pressurized water reactor (PWR) developed by Framatome (now Framatome, part of the EDF group) and Électricité de France (EDF). The EPR has an electric power output of 1,650 megawatts (MWe) which is 50% more than the second-generation PWR designs, making it the most powerful nuclear reactor ever built.

The EPR is designed to be more efficient and safer than previous nuclear reactors, with improved cooling systems, better fuel behavior, and improved containment systems. It also has a simpler and more compact design, which allows for more efficient construction and maintenance. The EPR has been designed to comply with the latest safety standards, including those established after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, and it’s equipped with multiple safety systems, including passive cooling, to ensure the highest level of safety for the public and the environment.

The EPR is currently in operation in several countries, including France, China, and Finland. However, the construction of the EPR has faced several challenges, including delays and cost overruns, due to the complexity of the project and the difficulty of meeting the new safety standards. Despite this, the EPR is considered a significant achievement in nuclear technology, and it’s expected to play an important role in meeting the growing demand for low-carbon electricity in the future.