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.
|