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Supercritical water-cooled reactor (SCWR)
What's so interesting about them?
Supercritical Water-Cooled Reactors (SCWRs) are an exciting next generation type of reactor. Imagine scientists asking, “What if we use water, but not just any water—super-hot and pressurized water—to create electricity?”. This inventive idea started gaining attention in recent years, sparking excitement in the nuclear community.
Fuel
Fuel
A SCWR can be operated as a Fast or Thermal reactor meaning it can use traditional enriched Uranium fuel pellets but also other fuel types.
Moderator
Moderator
SFRs use light water as a neutron moderator and a coolant.
Coolant
Coolant
SCWRs use supercritical water as a coolant where above a critical point in pressure and temperature, steam and liquid water have the very similar properties eliminating the need for pressurisers and steam generators.
Typical technical data:
| Neutron Spectrum | Outlet Temperature (Degrees Celsius) | Fuel Cycle | Net Electrical Energy Generation seen in Development (MW) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Thermal/Fast |
510-625 |
Closed/Open |
300-1,500 |
What is happening with them today?
Countries like Canada, China, and Russia are taking the lead, collaborating to explore and enhance SCWR technology. What sets SCWRs apart is their use of water in a state hotter and pressurized beyond what we usually experience.
While SCWRs are not yet powering our cities, scientists are building smaller prototypes to understand their capabilities better.
Matt Moore
World Nuclear Association – Generation IV Nuclear Reactors
The Generation IV International Forum – Supercritical-Water-Cooled Reactor (SCWR)
The Generation IV International Forum – Technology Systems
The Generation IV International Forum – Supercritical-Water-Cooled Reactor (SCWR)
The Generation IV International Forum – Technology Systems
