The technology

RWE npower is committed to using the safest, most reliable and most efficient modern nuclear technology.

Nuclear power stations generate electricity from energy produced by the fission, or splitting, of uranium atoms, which takes place in a nuclear reactor. This process needs to be managed very carefully because of the significant energy released and it is controlled by the use of a ‘moderator’, which serves to slow down the high speed neutrons travelling around the reactor core. All reactors have sufficient safety mechanisms to shut them down completely and fail-safes to ensure that this occurs in the event of any potential incidents. The new generation of nuclear power stations will be very safe, clean and efficient.

The regulators (the Health and Safety Executive and the Environment Agency) are currently carrying out a process, called 'Generic Design Assessment' or GDA, which allows the safety, security and environmental implications of new power station designs to be assessed before an application is made to build that design at a particular site. As part of this process they are currently assessing two types of reactor technology for potential use in the UK, AREVA’s EPR and Westinghouse Electric Company's (WEC) AP1000.

We have not yet finalised our technology choice and are still in discussion with potential providers. We expect to be in a strong position to move forward as the development progresses and licences are granted. Whichever technology we use, we will work to ensure we help secure jobs and skills for the UK.