It is the technology at the heart of our ARCHEOS project… and of 70% of the world’s nuclear reactors!
Our project relies on a mature, proven technology: the pressurized-water reactor, or PWR. It is the same technology used in all French reactors, and in the majority of nuclear power plants worldwide.
How does it work?
Picture a giant kettle, but ultra-secure and highly sophisticated:
- water circulates under high pressure to prevent it from turning into steam;
- this water is heated by nuclear fission in the reactor core;
- it transfers its heat to a second circuit, where water becomes steam;
- this steam drives a turbine… which produces electricity!
Why this technology?
- it is reliable, with decades of operating experience;
- it is well mastered by engineers and operators;
- it enables decarbonized, continuous and large-scale energy production.
By choosing the PWR, ARCHEOS combines innovation and safety, while remaining part of a responsible energy-transition approach.