The AP1000 reactor - The nuclear renaissance option

The AP1000 is a two-loop, 1150 MWe pressurised water reactor (PWR) with passive safety features and extensive plant simplifications to enhance construction, operation and maintenance. The AP1000 design is derived directly from the AP600, a two-loop, 600 MWe PWR. The AP600 uses proven technology, which builds on over 30 years of operating PWR experience and received Final Design Approval from the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission in September 1998 and Design Certification in December 1999. The AP600 meets all of the Electric Power Research Institute's Advanced Light Water Reactor Utility Requirements including the cost goals, and following a high-level review has also been shown to have broad - compliance with the European Utility Requirements Document. Although the AP600 is the most cost-effective plant ready for deployment, it is still more expensive than the $1000/kWe overnight capital cost needed to compete in the United States and Europe today. In order to provide a cost-competitive nuclear power plant, Westinghouse has developed the power uprate of AP600 to at least 1150 MWe, while maintaining its current design configuration, use of proven components and licensing basis. A study has recently been completed in cooperation with British Energy which assesses the AP1000 reactor as an option for new nuclear build in the UK.