SCWR for future large-scale nuclear power generation

The ambitious nuclear power program motivates the Chinese nuclear community to develop advanced reactor concepts of generation IV, in order to ensure the long-term, stable and sustainable development of nuclear power. The supercritical water-cooled reactor (SCWR) has favorable features in economics, sustainability and technology availability. It is the logical extension of the existing PWR technology and has very promising perspectives in large-scale power generation in China. This paper describes the main features of SCWR. New designs of SCWR core structure and fuel assemblies are proposed. Preliminary analysis using a coupled neutron-physics/thermal-hydraulics method is carried out and shows a good feasibility of the new design proposal. (authors)