Small modular reactors and mini-reactors with a power generation capacity of less than 20 megawatts (MW) can help remote areas access clean energy.
The technology is similar to the nuclear reactors used on sea boats. According to Nano Energy, a US nuclear energy start-up, it can also be used to decarbonize industrial sectors such as mining and shipping.
Nuclear power is making a comeback as the world looks for reliable, carbon-free energy. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), if the U.S. must achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, it will need 200 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear capacity.
Current estimates suggest that 95 GW of capacity currently accounts for 18% of U.S. energy demand. But this capability is thanks to several large nuclear reactors built decades ago. Recently, the U.S. nuclear industry has been plagued by delays and cost overruns.
Traditionally, nuclear power plants have been built on a large scale to reduce the cost of energy production. However, this also increases the cost and time to set up a facility before it begins operations.
Small modular reactors (SMRs) and microreactors are scaled-down versions of nuclear fission reactors. They also help to reduce the costs associated with construction.
Under the Inflation Reduction Act, new nuclear power plants also enjoy the same tax incentives as renewable energy projects and could get a boost in the near future.
Nuscale Power, a pioneer in this technology, faced some setbacks as its first project had to be abandoned due to the increased cost of energy production.
However, Nano Nuclear has recognized the core problem of the lack of a chain in the United States and is working to address it.
Small modular reactors use high-content, low-enriched uranium (HALEU) fuel, with up to 20% uranium. This is higher than the fuel used by conventional reactors, but allows SMR to operate efficiently with less fuel, while also extending the life of the equipment.
To avoid a similar fate to Nuscale, Nano Nuclear Energy is now looking to start producing HALEU at its plant in the United States. The location of the facility has not been disclosed, but it has received a federal** permit.
The company has also been working on its reactor design and has launched its second reactor, the Zeus. Nano Nuclear focuses on running the reactor with minimal intervention and equips it with unattended functionality to ensure safe and smooth operation.
A reactor designed to harness heat.
The components of the entire plant can be loaded into a standard container, and SMR can be easily transported to remote areas where there is no traditional energy infrastructure and large-scale renewable energy projects are difficult to set up.
In addition to generating electricity, the reactor is designed to harness the heat generated during fission reactions and use it for direct applications. This excess heat can be converted into electrical energy to provide more output.
This small modular nuclear reactor can be easily installed in remote areas and provide it with clean energy.
**10,000 Fans Incentive Plan