US Nano Nuclear Energy's small modular nuclear reactor prototype can be transported on a shipping container to bring clean energy to remote areas.
Nano Nuclear Energy's reactor can fit in a shipping container. Photo: Nano Nuclear Energy
Nano Nuclear Energy, a startup, is working on a small modular reactor (SMR) design that could address rising manufacturing costs and supply chain shortages in the United States, Interesting Engineering reported on March 6. Their reactor uses low-enriched uranium (Haleu) fuel, which contains 20 percent uranium. This is a higher concentration than conventional reactor fuel, but allows SMRs to operate efficiently with less fuel, while also increasing the life of the equipment.
Nano Nuclear Energy is currently manufacturing Haleu at its facility in the United States. While the company has not disclosed its location, the facility is federally licensed. It has also developed the reactor design and introduced a second version, called Zeus. Nano Nuclear is focused on operating the reactor with minimal intervention and has an escape system that ensures smooth and safe operation.
The entire system’s components can fit into a standard shipping container, and the SMR can be easily transported to remote locations where conventional power generation infrastructure is not available and where large renewable energy projects are difficult to install. In addition to generating electricity, the reactor is also designed to harness the heat generated during the fission reaction for a variety of direct applications. This excess heat can be converted into electricity to increase production.
Small modular reactors with a capacity of less than 20 megawatts (MW) could provide clean electricity to remote areas. Similar technology is already being used on naval ships. According to Nano Energy, the system could help reduce carbon emissions from industries such as mining and transportation.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. needs 200 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear capacity to reach its zero-emissions goal by 2050. Current estimates suggest that the current 95 GW of capacity meets 18 percent of U.S. energy needs, but most of it comes from a few large reactors built decades ago. The U.S. nuclear industry has recently been plagued by project delays and soaring costs.
Nuclear power plants are typically built on a large scale to reduce the cost of generating energy. However, this also increases the cost and time required to set up the plant before it can begin operating. SMRs are miniature versions of fission reactors. They also reduce construction costs.
An Khang (According to Interesting Engineering )
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