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The science of nuclear energy
The science of nuclear energy

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2.2.2 Inside a nuclear reactor

The video shows Jem Stansfield looking around the Zwentendorf nuclear power plant in Austria.

This reactor was designed as a boiling water reactor (BWR). In this type of reactor, the reactor heats the water which produces steam that then turns the turbine. The steam is then cooled back to water and returned back to cool the core. The water is also used as a moderator.

The Zwentendorf reactor was built but never used; it was prevented by a vote within a referendum on the issue. Since 1978 Austria has banned using fission as an energy source in power stations.

Download this video clip.Video player: ou_futurelearn_nuclear_energy_vid_1037.mp4
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In the next section you’ll consider the distribution of nuclear power stations around the world.