How does nuclear reactors produce energy

Nuclear energy provides efficient and reliable electricity around the world. Today, more than commercial reactors operate in more than 30 countries. The common definition for nuclear energy is the energy released by a chain reaction, especially by fission or fusion. Practically speaking, nuclear energy uses fuel made from mined and processed uranium to make steam and generate electricity.

Nuclear generation is the only source of electricity that can produce a constant supply of power — known as baseload power—reliably without emitting greenhouse gases. Nuclear energy has one of the lowest environmental impacts on land and natural resources of any electricity source.

Each reactor is designed to produce 1, megawatts MW of electricity with nearly zero carbon emissions. Built to operate for 60 years or more, these reactors will provide efficient and reliable low-carbon electricity to the nation for generations to come.

Once fully operational, the plant will prevent the release of more than 21 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per year. This is equivalent to removing 3. As the teams at both ENEC and Nawah prepare for the plant to transition from a construction project to an operating facility, they work to ensure that it meets the highest national and international standards of quality, and benefit from global operating experience. Nuclear reactors are, fundamentally, large kettles, which are used to heat water to produce enormous amounts of low-carbon electricity.

They come in different sizes and shapes, and can be powered by a variety of different fuels. Some of the neutrons that are released then hit other atoms, causing them to fission too and release more neutrons.

This is called a chain reaction. The fissioning of atoms in the chain reaction also releases a large amount of energy as heat. The generated heat is removed from the reactor by a circulating fluid, typically water.

This heat can then be used to generate steam, which drives turbines for electricity production. Fixed for business tariffs. Freedom for business tariff. Help, advice and support. Contact us. Frequently asked questions. Gas and elec emergencies. Save energy. Electric vehicles. Start EV journey. Charging infrastructure. Bespoke solutions.

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Media centre. Financial reports. Helping Britain achieve Net Zero. Wind power. That heat is used to make steam that spins a turbine to create electricity. With more than commercial reactors worldwide , including 94 in the United States, nuclear power continues to be one of the largest sources of reliable carbon-free electricity available. The main job of a reactor is to house and control nuclear fission —a process where atoms split and release energy.

Reactors use uranium for nuclear fuel. The uranium is processed into small ceramic pellets and stacked together into sealed metal tubes called fuel rods. Typically more than of these rods are bundled together to form a fuel assembly. A reactor core is typically made up of a couple hundred assemblies, depending on power level. Inside the reactor vessel, the fuel rods are immersed in water which acts as both a coolant and moderator.