SWR 1000: A next-generation boiling water reactor ready for deployment

Framatome ANP has developed the boiling water reactor SWR 1000 in close cooperation with German nuclear utilities and with support from various European partners. This advanced reactor design marks a new era in the successful tradition of boiling water reactor technology and, with a gross electric output of between 1290 and 1330 MW, is aimed at assuring competitive power generating costs compared to gas- and coal-fired stations. At the same time, the SWR 1000 meets the highest safety standards, including control of a core melt accident. These objectives are met by supplementing active safety systems with passive safety equipment of diverse design for accident detection and control and by simplifying systems needed for normal plant operation on the basis of past operating experience. The plant is also protected against airplane crash loads. A short construction period, flexible fuel cycle lengths of between 12 and 24 months and a high fuel discharge burn-up all contribute towards meeting economic goals. The SWR 1000 fulfills international nuclear regulatory requirements and has been offered to TVO for the fifth nuclear unit in Finland. (authors)