Free Republic
Browse · Search
Bloggers & Personal
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Your Next Nuke Will Be Small And Modular
Forbes ^ | August 24, 2016 | Michael Lynch

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 ...


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Government; Science; Society
KEYWORDS: electricty; energy; nuclear; nuclearpower

1 posted on 08/24/2016 10:19:01 PM PDT by 2ndDivisionVet
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | View Replies]

To: 2ndDivisionVet

Pebble bed seems to be one of the safest designs out there.


2 posted on 08/24/2016 10:22:06 PM PDT by Secret Agent Man (Gone Galt; Not averse to Going Bronson.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: 2ndDivisionVet

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....


3 posted on 08/24/2016 10:25:06 PM PDT by Paladin2 (auto spelchk? BWAhaha2haaa.....I aint't likely fixin' nuttin'. Blame it on the Bossa Nova...)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: 2ndDivisionVet

Whatever happened to Thorium reactors?


4 posted on 08/24/2016 10:48:19 PM PDT by jonrick46 (The Left has a mental disorder: A totalitarian mindset..)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Paladin2

I want keep my doctor.


5 posted on 08/24/2016 11:17:35 PM PDT by IncPen (Hey Media: Bias = Layoffs)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies]

To: 2ndDivisionVet

And here I was hoping for an article on something to take out those hard partying white trash neighbors............


6 posted on 08/24/2016 11:17:36 PM PDT by doorgunner69
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Paladin2

“Where’s my Mr. Fusion? Scientists promised back in the 70s that we were almost there.”


Where is my flying car???

https://youtu.be/vzm6pvHPSGo


7 posted on 08/25/2016 4:40:52 AM PDT by Vaquero ( Don't pick a fight with an old guy. If he is too old to fight, he'll just kill you.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies]

To: Paladin2

Practical fusion energy has been 20 years away for the last 40-50 years.


8 posted on 08/25/2016 4:51:32 AM PDT by FreedomPoster (Islam delenda est)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies]

To: 2ndDivisionVet

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.


9 posted on 08/25/2016 7:11:33 AM PDT by Ozark Tom (The binding rules only allow hints to be given freely in lieu of actual disclosures.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: 2ndDivisionVet

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.


10 posted on 08/25/2016 7:36:51 AM PDT by Reeses (A journey of a thousand miles begins with a government pat down.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
Bloggers & Personal
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson