Posted on 08/24/2016 10:19:01 PM PDT by 2ndDivisionVet
For at least two decades, nuclear engineers have been talking about new reactor designs, but few have progressed to become important components of the industry. Naturally, as with any new technology, there are always boosters and their enthusiasm should be treated with caution, but there is definitely potential for advances that could mean a surge in nuclear power. One aspect that needs greater attention is the benefit of smaller reactors, which greatly reduce risk on the part of investors.
Some new designs are more incrementally advanced, such as the European Pressurized Reactor (EPR) developed by Areva and EDF in France, with units under construction in Finland, France and China (The proposed British unit at Hinkley Point is on hold). They operate more efficiently than existing reactors and have much greater safety and security measures, making it a third-generation reactor.
The biggest drawback of some designs remains the size and length of construction as well as the design novelty. The Pebble Bed Modular Reactor, which has been under consideration for at least two decades, is a fourth-generation reactor with a design that appears to be very safe and easy to operate, but the radically different design has apparently contributed to slow adoption. South Africa cancelled its planned reactor due to lack of finance and demand, and only China is now planning construction of a full-scale reactor...
(Excerpt) Read more at forbes.com ...
Pebble bed seems to be one of the safest designs out there.
Where’s my Mr. Fusion? Scientists promised back in the 70s that we were almost there. Plus I want my unmetered nuke electricity promised in the 50s. I also want my $2500/yr health care savings check. Pikers....
Whatever happened to Thorium reactors?
I want keep my doctor.
And here I was hoping for an article on something to take out those hard partying white trash neighbors............
“Wheres my Mr. Fusion? Scientists promised back in the 70s that we were almost there.”
Where is my flying car???
Practical fusion energy has been 20 years away for the last 40-50 years.
Oak Ridge tested a molten salt cooled reactor envisioned as an aircraft propulsion component 50 years ago. Technology was deemed a threat to LWR needed for production of plutonium and thus buried by NRC.
Like socialism, free stuff get-something-for-nothing energy sources just need to be implemented by the right people. As has been proven over and over though, the right people just don’t exist.
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