| Abstract: | The U.S. Nuclear Power Industry is developing improved reactor systems to be prepared for the expected need of new base load electric generating capacity in the 1990s. The approach being taken is to build upon the large base of existing light water reactor technology, making evolutionary improvements, and finding innovative ways to simplify, shorten construction time, and reduce cost. The U.S. reactor manufacturers, working in collaboration with Japanese utilities, are developing 1300 MWe improved designs. This paper reviews the EPRI ALWR Program which is coordinated with these efforts by the reactor manufacturers. Emphasis is given to that portion of the EPRI Program dealing with conceptual design of smaller rated Advanced Simplified LWRs using passive system design to accomplish major simplification. |
