Mini reactor on container truck with capacity of nearly 20 MW

Nano Nuclear Energy's small modular nuclear reactor model can be transported on container trucks to bring clean energy to remote areas.

Startup company Nano Nuclear Energy aims to design a small modular nuclear reactor (SMR) that can solve the problem of rising production costs and lack of supply chains in the US, Interesting Engineering reported on March 6. Their reactor uses low-enriched uranium (Haleu) fuel containing 20% ​​uranium. This content is higher than the fuel used in conventional reactors but allows the SMR to operate effectively with less fuel, while also increasing the life of the device.

Nano Nuclear Energy's reactor can fit on a container truck. (Photo: Nano Nuclear Energy).

Currently, Nano Nuclear Energy is starting to produce Haleu at their facility in the US. Although the company did not disclose the location, the facility has been licensed to operate by the federal government. They also developed the reactor design and introduced a second version called Zeus. Nano Nuclear focuses on reactor operations with minimal intervention and escape facilities help ensure smooth and safe operations.

The components of the entire system can fit into a standard shipping container and the SMR can be easily transported to remote locations where conventional power generation infrastructure is not available and installation is difficult. large renewable energy project. In addition to producing electricity, reactors are also designed to exploit the heat generated in fission reactions and use them for many direct applications. This excess heat can be converted into electricity to increase output.

Small modular reactors with capacities under 20 megawatts (MW) can provide clean electricity to remote areas . Similar technology is being used on naval ships. According to Nano Energy, this system can contribute to reducing carbon emissions from many industries such as mining and transportation.

According to the US Department of Energy, the country needs 200 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear power capacity to achieve the goal of zero emissions by 2050. Current estimates show that the current 95 GW capacity meets 18% of energy needs. of the US, but mainly comes from a few large nuclear reactors built several decades ago. Recently, the US nuclear energy industry has encountered many project delays and skyrocketing costs.

Normally, nuclear power plants are built on a large scale to reduce energy production costs. However, this also increases costs and installation time before the facility begins operations. SMRs are miniature versions of nuclear fission reactors. They also help reduce construction costs.