Traveling Wave Reactor

This blog re-thought the nuclear option. While ruling out existing systems or even if newer generation, fast breeder reactors, it entertained the possibility that alternative technology might make nuclear power more viable.

Via Slashdot Hugh Pickens now writes:

TerraPower, an energy start-up backed by Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, is in discussions with Toshiba Corp. to develop a small-scale nuclear reactor that would represent a long-term bet to make nuclear power safer and cheaper. Toshiba confirmed it is in preliminary discussions with TerraPower, a unit of Intellectual Ventures, a patent-holding concern partially funded by Gates and Toshiba spokesman Keisuke Ohmori says the two sides are talking about how they could collaborate on nuclear technology although discussions are still in early stages and that nothing has been decided on investment or development. TerraPower has publicly said its Traveling Wave Reactor (PDF) could run for decades on depleted uranium without refueling or removing spent fuel from the device. The reactor, the company has said, could be safer, cheaper and more socially acceptable than today’s reactors. Gates’s recent focus on nuclear power has been fueled by an interest in developing new power systems for developing countries where he says that new energy solutions are needed to combat climate change. Terrapower faces a lengthy, multi-year process to get its “traveling wave” reactor concept reviewed by regulators but if TerraPower succeeds in advancing its plans, it could provide an alternative blueprint for the nuclear industry at a time when new reactors may be coming online.

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This entry was written by jcwinnie, posted on 2010-3-23 at 1:08 pm, filed under design, development, energy, factor, finance, risk, safety and tagged , , . Bookmark the permalink. Follow any comments here with the RSS feed for this post. Both comments and trackbacks are currently closed.

One Comment

  1. jcwinnie
    Posted 2010-3-23 at 1:47 pm | Permalink

    Via Green Car Congress we learn that US Secretary of Energy Dr. Steven Chu wrote an op-ed for the Wall Street Journal. Chu emphasized the need for Nuclear Power. The WSJ op-ed highlighted small modular reactors.

    Between the $8-billion in conditional loan guarantees for the first nuclear power plant to break ground in nearly three decades, and the new authority granted by the president’s 2011 budget request, the Department of Energy will be able to support between six and nine new reactors in the US.

    Perhaps most importantly, investing in nuclear energy will position America to lead in a growing industry. World-wide electricity generation is projected to rise 77% by 2030. If we are serious about cutting carbon pollution then nuclear power must be part of the solution. Countries such as China, South Korea and India have recognized this and are making investments in nuclear power that are driving demand for nuclear technologies. Our choice is clear: Develop these technologies today or import them tomorrow.

    That is why—even as we build a new generation of clean and safe nuclear plants-we are constantly looking ahead to the future of nuclear power. As this paper recently reported, one of the most promising areas is small modular reactors (SMRs). If we can develop this technology in the US and build these reactors with American workers, we will have a key competitive edge.

    …Their size would also increase flexibility for utilities since they could add units as demand changes, or use them for on-site replacement of aging fossil fuel plants. Some of the designs for SMRs use little or no water for cooling, which would reduce their environmental impact. Finally, some advanced concepts could potentially burn used fuel or nuclear waste, eliminating the plutonium that critics say could be used for nuclear weapons.

    In his 2011 budget request, President Obama requested $39 million for a new program specifically for small modular reactors. Although the Department of Energy has supported advanced reactor technologies for years, this is the first time funding has been requested to help get SMR designs licensed for widespread commercial use. [Earlier post.]

    Secretary Chu wrote that the DOE is exploring a partnership with industry to obtain design certification from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for one or two designs based on proven light-water reactor technologies and which could be deployed in about 10 years.

    We are also accelerating our R&D efforts into other innovative reactor technologies. This includes developing high-temperature gas reactors that can provide carbon-free heat for industrial applications, as well as advanced reactor designs that will harness much more of the energy from uranium.

    …These efforts are restarting the nuclear power industry in the US. But to truly promote nuclear power and other forms of carbon-free electricity, we need long-term incentives. The single most effective step we could take is to put a price on carbon by passing comprehensive energy and climate legislation. Requiring a gradual reduction in carbon emissions will make clean energy profitable—and will fuel investment in nuclear power.

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