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GE developed breakthrough light water technology in the mid-1950s called the Boiling Water Reactor (BWR). The design greatly simplified the U.S. Navy design, known as the Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR), and opened the door to new energy solutions from nuclear technology. Since that time, GE has developed nine evolutions of BWR technology, including the first operational advanced light water design in the world - ABWR - and culminating in its latest generation of design - ESBWR - which features an advanced safety design and new operational efficiencies. GE currently has 56 plants operating worldwide with an operating capacity of over 50 GW. The 36 BWR plants in North America alone avoid the release of as much as 185 million tons of greenhouse gases each year. Today, GE's nuclear energy business focuses on delivering clean, safe, reliable, and affordable electricity from new reactor technology; powering reactors with advanced nuclear fuel, designed to perform for optimal results; and providing reactor and performance services committed to customer service excellence and realizing asset potential. GE is committed to the nuclear industry and its customers. Nuclear energy is a key part of the GE portfolio; supporting existing customers and sustaining a balanced mix of base load energy techniques that can support increasing energy demand without harmful air emissions. GE has provided advanced and sophisticated technology for nuclear energy for over five decades. Four main product lines support this capability.
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Why nuclear energy?
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