Tiny Nuclear Reactors Are the Future of Energy

Synopsis

The first commercial nuclear power plant in the U.S. began operating in 1958, and today, around 100 plants generate a fifth of the country's electricity without carbon emissions. In contrast, natural gas and coal plants still account for 60% of electricity generation. A new generation of nuclear reactors is under development, promising to be less expensive, easier to build, and safer to operate. These advancements could shift the electrical future towards nuclear power. The basic principles of nuclear reactors remain unchanged, utilizing enriched uranium pellets as fuel. These pellets, comparable in size to gummy bears, contain energy equivalent to 149 gallons of oil or 12,000 Big Macs. The process involves hurling neutrons at uranium atoms, causing them to split and release energy, which heats water to generate steam for turbines. Currently, there are about 440 reactors worldwide, producing 10% of the global electricity supply. The potential for tiny nuclear reactors could revolutionize energy production.