Nuclear Reactor Consumer Labels

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By Dr. Nick Touran, Ph.D., P.E., 2025-08-07, Reading time: 1 minute

Reactor discussions are most productive when informed by a clear understanding of the reactors involved. Therefore, I propose we begin using standardized Nuclear Reactor Consumer Labels to display key information.

Just as nutrition facts on cereal boxes are governed by the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1990 (codified in 21 CFR 101.9), these labels would provide a consistent and valuable resource. The Broadband Label Order (codified in 47 CFR 8.2) further demonstrates the effectiveness of standardized labels, requiring internet service providers to display Broadband Consumer Labels, often referred to as broadband nutrition labels, offering clear, standardized, and accurate information.

Standardized Nuclear Reactor Consumer Labels would be a beneficial addition. You can find definitions of the proposed fields on our advanced reactor page.

Taxpayers, investors, and other stakeholders involved in reactor development programs should rightfully demand access to at least this fundamental information from prospective reactor vendors. This information, a general definition of the reactor, is not proprietary or subject to export controls. If a vendor doesn’t provide it, I would generally advise against investing or supporting their project.

AP1000 Facts
General
TypePWR
Fuel formUO₂
Fissile3-5% U-235
CoolantWater
ModeratorWater
TRL9
Core
StructureZircaloy
ControlAg-In-Cd rods + soluble boron
Avg. discharge burnup (MWd/kg)50
Core loading (tHM)85
Fissile loading (tHM)3.8
Power density (kW/l)104
Conversion ratio0.5
Cycle length (EFPD)492
Thermal
Flow rate (kg/s)17000
Core ΔT (°C)32
Outlet temperature (°C)332
Thermal Power (MWt)3400
Num. independent loops2
Num. heat exchangers/loop1
Shielding
Shield materialsWater, concrete, steel
Bio shield thickness (m)?
Bio shield mass (t)?
Dose rate outside shield (mSv/hr)?
Plant
Power conversionSteam Rankine
Electric Power (MWe)1115
Thermal efficiency33%
Safety
Safety-related generators?Yes
SBO survival time72 hours
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About Dr. Nick Touran, Ph.D., P.E.

Nick Touran is a nuclear engineer with expertise in advanced nuclear reactor design, reactor development, and the history of nuclear power. After getting a Ph.D. at the University of Michigan, he spent 15 years at TerraPower in Seattle working on core design, business development, software development, and configuration management. He is now a consultant involved in advising and assisting numerous reactor development and deployment efforts. He is also a licensed professional engineer in Nuclear Engineering.

Nick has been active in public education around nuclear since 2006 as the founder of whatisnuclear.com. He has spoken at numerous institutions, schools, and public events, and was once featured on NPR’s Science Friday. Recently, he has coordinated the digitization of over 45 historical nuclear films.