In a modern reactor, a nuclear meltdown, whether partial or total, should be contained inside the reactor's containment building.

Most modern reactors use enriched uranium with normal "light water" (HO) as the moderator.

Some modern reactors use boron carbide control rods.

Excitation powers of 10 kW or more are often used in modern reactors.

Mr. Kim said the program could be halted permanently if his country was offered a modern, light-water nuclear reactor, economic aid and diplomatic recognition.

The ternary process is less common, but still ends up producing significant helium-4 and tritium gas buildup in the fuel rods of modern nuclear reactors.

Reprocessing does nothing to help manage waste from modern reactors; plutonium fuel is dearer than uranium, and is likely to stay that way.

Some modern reactors, with minor modifications, can use thorium.

A modern reactor is designed both to make a meltdown unlikely, and to contain one should it occur.