The Westinghouse AP300 is a ‘game-changer’ technology
Posted By RichC on May 17, 2024
With emissions and climate change being the primary concern for at least half the world, one would think that a carbon-free source of 24/7 energy from small nuclear reactors would be on the forefront of alternatives for our energy needs? Obviously mention “nuclear”an images of disasters rush to the forefront, but safe “small” reactors are possible.
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Whether Westinghouse’s AP300 will replace coal and natural gas as the go-to source for the world’s insatiable demand for electricity has yet to be seen, but it makes the most sense as a way to provide the missing link for renewables, wind and solar. Besides clean existing hydroelectric power, small nuclear plants can be located on the same properties of a coal plant where power lines and the grid already exist. If we really want to go carbon-free and still use electricity, this is the best option.
Check out Interesting Engineering’s article on the Westinghouse AP300.
Westinghouse’s decision marks a significant turning point in the nuclear industry’s effort to reinvent itself in response to climate change.
Nuclear fission reactor electricity produces no greenhouse gas emissions, and smaller nuclear reactors are less expensive to develop.
The AP300 is expected to cost around $1 billion per unit, compared to the AP1000’s anticipated cost of $6.8 billion.
It will produce about 300 megawatts of electricity, compared to the AP1000’s 1,200 megawatts, and power about 300,000 households.
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