The Nuclear Reboot: Small Modular Reactors and the Future of Clean Energy

As the world grapples with climate change and energy independence, a new generation of nuclear power technology is emerging.

TL;DR
• Small modular reactors (SMRs) are a new type of nuclear power plant that is smaller and more efficient than traditional reactors.
• Alternative coolants, such as molten salt, can improve safety and efficiency in nuclear reactors.
• New fuels, such as high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU), can increase the efficiency and lifespan of nuclear reactors.

Summary
The nuclear power industry is on the cusp of a transformation with the advent of new technologies aimed at making reactors smaller, safer, and more efficient.
• Small modular reactors (SMRs) are being developed to bring down costs and construction time.
• New fuel types, such as high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU), can sustain a chain reaction for longer periods.
• Alternative coolants like molten salt and liquid metal can improve safety and efficiency.

The current generation of nuclear reactors are massive, expensive, and slow to build. SMRs, on the other hand, are smaller, can be built on an assembly line, and offer more flexibility in terms of deployment. China's Linglong One, the world's first land-based commercial SMR, is expected to come online in 2026.

New fuel architectures, such as tri-structural isotropic (TRISO) fuel, can contain radioactive materials more effectively. TRISO fuel uses tiny kernels of uranium coated in layers of carbon and ceramic.

The use of alternative coolants can also improve safety and efficiency. Molten salt, for example, can operate at higher temperatures and lower pressures than traditional water-based systems.

As the demand for electricity continues to rise, driven by growth in data centers, industries, and modernization efforts, the nuclear industry is poised to play a crucial role in meeting this demand while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The future of nuclear power is looking bright, with small modular reactors, alternative coolants, and new fuels offering a cleaner, safer, and more efficient way to generate energy.