Nuclear Reactor
A device in which a controlled nuclear chain reaction generates heat for power or produces radioisotopes.
Unit
MW
In depth
A reactor combines fuel, moderator, coolant, control rods and shielding. The heat produced raises steam to drive turbines, so the plant is a conventional thermal power station with an unconventional heat source that emits no carbon dioxide in operation.
Examples in the real world
Pressurised water reactors supplying about a tenth of the world's electricity; research reactors making medical isotopes.