Objectives in developing the European pressurized water reactor (EPR)

In 1991, major German utilities and Electricité de France agreed to develop, together with Siemens and Framatome, the nuclear island for the next generation of nuclear power plants. This nuclear island design is based on German and French experience in the construction and operation of pressurized water reactors. The major step in the evolutionary European pressurized water reactor (EPR) design is the systematic inclusion of events beyond classic design events. The mitigation of core melt accidents by special means, such as reinforcement of the containment function, primary loop depressurization, hydrogen reduction and ultimate heat removal, is part of the design, in addition to a number of features which increase the reliability of plant operation and accident control. Nevertheless, utilities and designers are aware of the economic challenge facing the EPR by the need to compete with other nuclear power plant designs and fossil plants for electricity generation.