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Why is "Pressurized heavy-water reactor" trending?

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Trend Analysis

  • Ranking position: #
  • Date: 2026-03-24 09:34:44

This topic has appeared in the trending rankings 1 time(s) in the past year. While it does not trend frequently, its appearance suggests a renewed or concentrated surge of public interest.

Based on Wikipedia pageviews and search interest, this topic gained significant attention on the selected date.

Trend Insight

Pressurized_heavy-water_reactor entered the ranking for the first time today at position #. This is its highest position ever recorded.

Trend History

This topic has appeared in the English Wikipedia rankings 1 time. It first appeared on 2026-03-24 and was most recently seen on 2026-03-24.

Pressurized heavy-water reactor

Wikipedia Overview

A pressurized heavy-water reactor (PHWR) is a nuclear reactor that uses heavy water (deuterium oxide D2O) as its coolant and neutron moderator. PHWRs frequently use natural uranium as fuel, but sometimes also use very low enriched uranium. The heavy water coolant is kept under pressure to avoid boiling, allowing it to reach higher temperature (mostly) without forming steam bubbles, exactly as for a pressurized water reactor (PWR). While heavy water is very expensive to isolate from ordinary water (often referred to as light water in contrast to heavy water), its low absorption of neutrons greatly increases the neutron economy of the reactor, avoiding the need for enriched fuel. The high cost of the heavy water is offset by the lowered cost of using natural uranium and/or alternative fuel cycles. As of 2025, 43 PHWRs were in operation, having a total capacity of 23.430 GW(e), representing roughly 11% by number and 6.5% by generating capacity of all current operating reactors. CANDU and IPHWR are the most common type of reactors in the PHWR family. Other designs include the German design PHWR KWU installed at Atucha Nuclear Power Plant in Argentina.

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Why This Topic Is Trending

This topic has recently gained attention due to increased public interest. Search activity and Wikipedia pageviews suggest growing global engagement.


Search Interest & Related Topics

Search interest data over the past 12 months indicates that this topic periodically attracts global attention. Sudden spikes often correlate with major news events, public statements, or geopolitical developments.

Search Interest (Past 12 Months)

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