Mini nuclear generator

Los Angeles-based Los Alamos National Laboratory scientists say smaller nuclear power generators capable of powering 20,000 homes will be available in five years.

A normal nuclear power plant in Suffolk (England). Photo: Guardian

This generator is only a few meters in diameter, does not contain materials used to develop nuclear weapons, has no moving parts and can not be stolen because they are packed and buried underground. . The US government has licensed Hyperion's technology and the company is expected to begin mass production in 2013.

John Deal, managing director of Hyperion, said each nuclear generator would cost $ 25 million (423 billion), fueled seven to ten years with a 50-year term. With a community of 10,000 families, each household will spend $ 2,500 (42.3 million) on nuclear power. The company has received more than 100 orders from the industry and consumer groups they target, followed by developing countries and isolated residential areas. In addition, Hyperion plans to build three more plants to produce 4,000 nuclear generators in the 2013-2023 period.