Posted on 02/11/2021 2:19:08 PM PST by DUMBGRUNT
MINI NUCLEAR REACTORS OFFER PROMISE OF CHEAPER, CLEAN POWER Reactor makers are pitching smaller, modular systems that produce limitless emissions-free energy—but they may not be an easy sell
The pitch: small modular reactors, or SMRs, that can be housed in compact containment structures and operate safely with less shielding and oversight. SMRs could allow power plants to shed their huge hourglass-shaped cooling towers and, in some designs, the reactors would be immersed in water to prevent overheating.
Utilities could retrofit existing power plants by substituting climate-friendly SMRs for aging, climate-unfriendly coal- or gas-fired burners, boosters say. SMRs could also power municipal heating systems, turn water to hydrogen for fuel or electrify remote locations, all without any emissions.
Last fall, the Energy Department awarded $210 million to 10 projects to develop technologies for SMRs and beyond, as part of its Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program. The agency had already awarded $400 million to various projects since 2014 “to accelerate the development and deployment of SMRs,” it said in a statement on NuScale’s safety evaluation last September.
GE’s second offering, a system now in development with nuclear startup TerraPower LLC, replaces water with molten salt, similar to what’s used in some advanced solar-power arrays. Dubbed Natrium, the system runs hotter than water-cooled reactors but at lower pressure and with passive cooling, which eliminates piping and electrical systems while improving safety,
(Excerpt) Read more at wsj.com ...
Toshiba was offering a small nuclear reactor about a decade ago. The idea was to provide a plug and play solution for remote areas (e.g. Alaska). I never heard what happened with it.
Someone could invest a perpetual energy development system that ran off ‘good intentions’ and provided enough power to run the whole world, power every car, and purify enough drinking water for the entire population. Eco watermelons would still ban it.
“Fusion is only 30 years away”.
~Abraham Lincoln
A perfect shot.
NICE!
Is fusion really 30 years away ? I wonder
We’ve been hearing about mini-nuclear reactors for fifty years now, and we still don’t have them.
Not to mention flying cars!
That could finally make the Plasma Cannon portable. ;-)
Still? We’re in a hold at T-30?
The Dumocrats don’t want any part of “smart”.
There is a HUGE difference between SMR (Small Modular Reactors and MSR (Molten Salt Reactors).
SMR’s use OLD SCHOOL FUEL and preserve huge profits from today’s fuel cycle. SMR’S also can’t work at close to atmospheric pressure.
MSR’S at or close to atmospheric pressure, the fuel is mixed into a salt. The units are walk a way safe, are self regulating and CANNOT MELT DOWN.
“best thing we could do is mini-reactors in marine shipping”
I can see a use for small reactors in ships, but land-based infrastructure power sources are typically lower cost per unit of energy if they are large.
“Cargo ship pollution is WAY bigger than all automotive pollution put together”
I know you mean pollution from the fuel burned, but perhaps the greater pollution and general economic damage is caused by the cargo they dump in America and other places.
IMHO Mini Nukes are never going to happen. The largest cost in Nuclear Pant Operation is staff. A large plant has economy of scale as many of functions require the same number of people no matter how large or small the plant is.
In terms of construction the permitting and other NRC requirements are not going to be “Mini” either.
“Exactly - it was the movie that shut down the industry.”
NOT!
Already did that.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NS_Savannah
“GAS heating water in order to spin a turbine / generator is the way.”
Nope! Spin the turbines with hot gas! Much simpler and better efficiency.
“Since I really looked into the dilemma of dealing with spent fuel rods I have been against this electricity generation system.”
Obviously you didn’t understand the technology ...
Scene from Becket. King Henry is soaked in a rain storm...Goes to a hovel..
Henry: “Warmth! Give me fire and warmth!”
Becket: You will find no fire here sire. Every hovel is allowed two measures of wood a year. One stick more and they are hanged.
Henry: My edict?
Becket: Your edict sire.
“IMHO Mini Nukes are never going to happen. The largest cost in Nuclear Pant Operation is staff. A large plant has economy of scale as many of functions require the same number of people no matter how large or small the plant is.
In terms of construction the permitting and other NRC requirements are not going to be “Mini” either.”
Staff size is not fixed. Permitting would be less burdensome. Construction costs could be reduced.
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