AP1000® Technology
The future of nuclear energy
AP1000® - pressurized water reactor
The construction of new units 7 and 8 at the Kozloduy site is a priority for the national energy and economic development of Bulgaria. The technology chosen for the new nuclear power plant units is AP1000 – these are some of the most advanced generation III+ reactors developed by Westinghouse. Each of them has an electrical capacity of about 1200 MWe and is designed to provide reliable electricity production for decades.
Proven technology
The AP1000 technology features fully passive safety systems that use natural forces such as gravity, pressure and natural circulation to naturally maintain reactor cooling without human intervention, even in emergency situations. The simplified and modular design allows for faster construction, smaller footprint, higher reliability and optimized operating costs.
Advanced and proven in practice
1200 megawatts of electrical power (MWe)
Safety innovator
Pioneer of fully passive nuclear safety systems. Long-standing experience in licensing with nuclear regulators around the world
Proven technologies
Record production figures in all AP1000 units built worldwide
Economically advantageous
Simplified modular design results in lower construction, operation and maintenance costs
Maneuverability
Follows changes in the load of the power system and enables integrated work with RES
With passive nuclear safety systems
The AP1000 reactor has the unique ability to respond to extreme events, such as those at Fukushima
Automatic triggering
- In the event of a complete loss of power, critical systems, structures and components automatically transition to a safe state without operator intervention and without the need for alternating current.
Autonomy
- Passive nuclear safety systems eliminate the dependence on the availability of AC power and external coolant supply for 72 hours.
Independence
- The systems, structures and components ensuring the safe shutdown of the reactor are located in a sealed structure, which is located in a protective building.
Source - https://navigator-voyantstudios.com/i-ap1000pwr-2.html
Economically advantageous
The technology's simplified design results in lower construction, operation and maintenance costs.
50%
Fewer valves
35%
Fewer pumps
80%
Fewer pipelines
80%
Fewer heating, ventilation and air conditioning installations
45%
Smaller volume of buildings with anti-seismic protection
70%
Fewer cables
Safety class compared to a conventional two-circuit power unit in the nuclear island (Mwe)
Designed to be maneuverable
- Improved response at peak loads – the technology allows for rapid power increases when electricity demand increases;
- Suitable for liberalized markets – price and demand change dynamically;
- Integration with renewable sources – AP1000 can compensate for fluctuations in solar and wind generation, providing stable baseload power;
- Opportunities for synergy between the NAM and the RES sector in Bulgaria.
Source - https://navigator-voyantstudios.com/i-ap1000pwr-2.html
Global presence
6
The unit in operation
12
Under construction
14
The block with signed construction contracts
Source - https://navigator-voyantstudios.com/ap1000_pwr-worldwide/index.html
Diverse applications
Maneuverable operating characteristics that enable stabilization of modern power systems with a high share of renewable sources, including the ability to quickly change load to cover fluctuations in demand
High temperature
Average temperature
Low temperature
Electricity
Source - https://navigator-voyantstudios.com/i-ap1000pwr-2.html
AP1000® – Generation III+ Pressurized Water Reactor
The AP1000® is a Generation III+ pressurized water reactor designed with fully passive nuclear safety systems and an electrical output of 1200 MWe.
Proven and reliable technology
The technology is proven in practice, with high production performance, above 90% average availability and licensing by nuclear regulators in various countries.
Passive safety
One of the biggest advantages of the AP1000® is its ability to automatically transition to a safe state in extreme situations, including complete loss of power, without operator intervention.
Economic efficiency
The reactor's simplified modular design results in lower construction, operation and maintenance costs, thanks to a smaller number of systems, components and infrastructure.
Source - https://westinghousenuclear.com/new-plants/ap1000-pwr/
Maneuverability
AP1000® is designed to operate flexibly and follow changes in the load of the power system, making it suitable for modern energy networks and integration with renewable energy sources.
Source - https://westinghousenuclear.com/new-plants/ap1000-pwr/
Wide application possibilities
In addition to electricity generation, AP1000® offers capabilities for:
- Centralized heating supply
- Data center power supply
- Technological heat for industry
- Hydrogen production
License plan
Conditionally, the licensing procedure could be divided into administrative and technical parts in accordance with the type of permits and licensing regimes, as well as the competent regulatory authorities responsible for issuing them and the relevant stages of the procedure.
In the most general aspect, it can be stated that for each activity that the investor intends to carry out, he must apply for a permit to carry it out, proposing a plan accordingly for what and how he intends to carry it out.
These documents are reviewed and evaluated, after which he is eventually allowed to begin the relevant activity.
After completing the activity for which it is authorized, all results are submitted to the NRA for re-examination and possible approval.
This serious and complex structure ensures that safety oversight is in place and there are no compromises with the quality of the work performed.
