Next Generation Reactors

The next generation of nuclear energy plants has truly exciting potential – the promise of giving us a way to make hydrogen as well as electric power. These advanced reactors, called high temperature gas-cooled reactors, appear to be first clear path to regaining energy independence for America. They operate at 800-900 degrees Celsius, compared to 350-400 degrees C of today’s reactors. We know water can be split into hydrogen and oxygen at those high temperatures and with no waste or pollutants of any kind. Both could be sold at very low cost and in very large volumes. That could fuel a new hydrogen economy – and give us a way to reduce imports of foreign oil and natural gas. America has decades of nuclear fuel.

These reactors would also be super safe. They would be cooled by helium, not water like today’s reactors. Helium is inert and will not become radioactive. So if any leaks out, being lighter than air, it would just float away harmlessly. Cooling water in today’s reactors carries radioactivity with it if it leaks. That requires emergency plans to protect the public around today’s plants. No such emergency plans would be necessary around these advanced reactors. These reactors also shut themselves off if they overheat. They could also be built underground, making them very difficult targets for a terrorist.