nuclear power plant
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nuclear power plant
An industrial facility that generates heat through controlled nuclear fission in a reactor, which is then used to produce electric power. A synonym is 'Kernkraftwerk' (nuclear power plant).
Das letzte Atomkraftwerk in der Region wurde letztes Jahr vom Netz genommen.
The last nuclear power plant in the region was taken off the grid last year.
The word is a clear compound of 'Atom' (atom), 'Kraft' (power), and 'Werk' (plant, factory). So it is literally a facility that generates energy from atomic power.
Der Bau des Atomkraftwerks dauerte fast zehn Jahre.
The construction of the nuclear power plant took almost ten years.
In everyday language and in the media, the abbreviation 'AKW' is used very frequently. Sometimes you also read 'KKW' for the synonym 'Kernkraftwerk' (nuclear power plant).
Die Demonstration richtete sich gegen den Weiterbetrieb des AKW.
The demonstration was directed against the continued operation of the nuclear power plant.
Common verbs in connection with nuclear power plants describe their life cycle: 'ein Atomkraftwerk bauen' (to build a nuclear power plant), 'betreiben' (to operate), 'abschalten' (to shut down), 'stilllegen' (to decommission), or 'vom Netz nehmen' (to take off the grid).
Die Regierung hat beschlossen, das alte Atomkraftwerk endgültig stillzulegen.
The government has decided to permanently decommission the old nuclear power plant.
power plant
'das Kraftwerk' and 'das Atomkraftwerk' both refer to facilities where electricity is generated. 'Kraftwerk' is the general umbrella term. It can run on coal, gas, water, wind, or nuclear power. 'Atomkraftwerk' is more specific and means only a power plant that obtains energy through nuclear fission in a reactor. Learners may confuse the words because every 'Atomkraftwerk' is a 'Kraftwerk', but not every 'Kraftwerk' is an 'Atomkraftwerk'. If the energy source is not important or not known, 'Kraftwerk' fits. If it is specifically about nuclear energy, 'Atomkraftwerk' is more precise.
Nach der Nachricht über das Atomkraftwerk diskutierte die Klasse über Sicherheit und Energie.
After the news about the nuclear power plant, the class discussed safety and energy.
Das Kraftwerk am Fluss versorgt viele Haushalte in der Stadt mit Strom.
The power plant by the river supplies many households in the city with electricity.