Electricity generation cost reduction with the AP600 reactor

Electrical utility generation requirements have emphasized the need for a 600-MW nuclear plant of simple design with increased safety margin and low cost. The AP600 was designed according to utility specifications and has resulted in a plant with single-unit capital costs 27% lower than a conventional 600-MW plant and twin-unit capital costs 35% lower. In addition to capital reductions, the low power density core of the AP600 with an increased total weight of fuel loading but lower enrichments results in a fuel cycle cost saving of 14%. Similarly, the dramatically simplified passive design with removal of redundant active safety systems and attention to standardization and increased plant availability has lowered operating costs by an estimated 30%. The total decrease in generation costs for the AP600 compared to a conventional 600-MW reactor is estimated to be 25% for a single-unit plant and 32% for a twin-unit station. Further cost reductions are possible in the AP600. It is the purpose of this paper to outline these reductions and determine their effect on AP600 competitiveness with alternative generation types