Community-scale nuclear power, anyone?
Now here’s an interesting proposition. Hyperion Power Generation Inc is planing to develop and sell community-scale nuclear power plants, with the first installed within 5 years. Each plant can generate 25 megawatts of electricity and 70 megawatts of heat; enough for a small town (~20k homes). The ground-buried plant, about the size of a hot tub, is based on a proven standard design used in several research and military plants, using a small quantity of non-weapons grade fuel. Hyperion’s concept promises proven safety, no carbon emissions, no need for big transmission lines, low transmission losses, no visual pollution, high reliability, easy maintenance, and manageable transport and disposal.
None of which will be taken into account by the anti-nuclear power lobby.
A quick summary:
- Small -1.5 meters across, approx size of a residential “hot tub”
- Produces 70 MWt/25 MWe, enough to power 20,000 average American homes or the equivalent
- Buried underground out of sight and harm’s way
- Transportable by train, ship, truck
- Sealed module, never opened on site
- Enough power for 5+ years
- After 5 years, removed & refueled at original factory
- Uniquely safe, self-moderating using a natural chemical reaction discovered 50 years ago
- No mechanical parts in the core to malfunction
- Water not used as coolant; cannot go “supercritical” or get too hot
- No greenhouse gases or global warming emissions
- Think: Large Battery!
November 15th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
I think you are deliberately glazing over a key premise to which ALL anti-nuclear lobbyists advance as their primary objection. This being the problems associated with the nuclear waste created. I think you are correct in the impressive benefits that are offered by nuclear energy, especially in regards to concerns over traditional methods of energy production like coal and gas. However, the fact still remains that there exists no efficient means to dispose of the waste other than to effectively bury it deep in the ground. Anti-nuclear lobbyists are well aware of the alleged benefits advanced but more importantly are also aware of the major problems associated with its disposal. Once there is a safe and efficient way to dispose of nuclear waste then perhaps it is reasonable to develop community based alternatives to energy production.