The EPR is a Generation III+ pressurised water reactor design. It has been designed and developed mainly by Framatome and Électricité de France (EDF) in France, and by Siemens in Germany. In Europe this reactor design was called European Pressurised Reactor, and the internationalised name was Evolutionary Power Reactor, but is now simply named EPR.
Computer generated view of an EPR power station
Olkiluoto 3 under construction in 2009. It achieved first criticality in December 2021 and started regular electricity production in April 2023.
Taishan Nuclear Power Plant - Units 1 & 2
EDF has said its Flamanville 3 project (seen here in 2010) will be delayed until 2024.
Generation III reactors, or Gen III reactors, are a class of nuclear reactors designed to succeed Generation II reactors, incorporating evolutionary improvements in design. These include improved fuel technology, higher thermal efficiency, significantly enhanced safety systems, and standardized designs intended to reduce maintenance and capital costs. They are promoted by the Generation IV International Forum (GIF).
Model of the Toshiba ABWR, which became the first operational Generation III reactor in 1996
EPR core catching room designed to catch the corium in case of a meltdown. Some Generation III reactors include a core catcher in their design.
Kakrapar Atomic Power Station Unit 3 and 4 under construction. India's first Generation III+ reactor
Novovoronezh Nuclear Power Plant II with the first Generation III+ nuclear reactor in the world
