An information portal of the Federal government and the Länder

Science

How does a nuclear power plant work? What is a pressurised water reactor (PWR)? What is nuclear fission? What effects does radiation have on our bodies? What happens when a nuclear plant reaches the end of its life? These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about nuclear technology – so this page provides answers. Find out about the physics behind nuclear power, how PWRs and boiling water reactors work and what happens during decommissioning.