Prototype Advanced Gas-cooled Reactor (AGR)

When it became operational in 1962, Windscale's Advanced Gas-cooled Reactor (WAGR) was the prototype of a 'family' of reactors providing more efficient power for Britain than ever before possible.

An Advanced Gas Cooled Reactor (AGR) is a type of nuclear reactor. These are the second generation of British gas-cooled reactors, using graphite as the neutron moderator and carbon dioxide as coolant. The AGR was developed from the Magnox reactor, operating at a higher gas temperature for improved efficiency, and using enriched uranium fuel so requiring less frequent refueling.