Not Wind, Not Solar: Mini Nuclear Reactors Could Fix America's Energy Problems

[Marlin]

https://www.bgr.com/2181213/mini-nuclear-reactors-could-fix-americas-energy-problems/

[News Wire]

The Department of Energy is pursuing the deployment of small modular reactors and microreactors to expand domestic nuclear capacity. Federal funding and private investment from the technology sector aim to overcome historical barriers, including high construction costs and complex licensing requirements that have previously hindered large-scale nuclear projects in the United States.

These reactors utilize diverse cooling and moderation technologies, such as molten salts or helium, to offer greater geographic flexibility than traditional plants. While proponents highlight passive safety features and potential cost savings, the industry faces skepticism regarding economic viability and the loss of economies of scale. The success of these projects will depend on navigating regulatory hurdles and proving that smaller designs can compete with established energy sources.

Amidst the push for clean energy worldwide, many people are vouching for small nuclear reactors, though there are still a number of factors holding them back.

America's nuclear boondoggle may be coming to an end, as the Department of Energy looks to deploy a new generation of nuclear reactors. Although the U.S operates 98 gigawatts of nuclear capacity, high costs, difficult licensing processes, the specter of nuclear disasters like Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, and the Santa Susana Field Laboratory (possibly the worst nuclear disaster in American history) have stunted its expansion. However, the Trump administration believes that a federal spending...

Read the full article at BGR:
https://www.bgr.com/2181213/mini-nuclear-reactors-could-fix-americas-energy-problems/