TVA Starts Modular Atomic Reactor Study. Newslink

[Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor]

A new design of atomic reactor, after decades of stagnation.

http://www.newschannel5.com/story/21289707/tva-signs-deal-to-explore-small-modular-reactor

TVA hopes to build the unit at its Clinch River Site in Oak Ridge and to eventually add three more such reactors there.

The reactors would produce about 20 percent of the electricity generated by standard light-water reactors now in use. Advantages would be more of the manufacturing being done in factories, reducing construction time, and more standardization of reactor

Small modular reactor

Small modular reactors (SMRs) are part of a new generation of nuclear power plant designs being developed in several countries. The objective of these SMRs is to provide a flexible, cost-effective energy alternative.

Small reactors are defined by the International Atomic Energy Agency as those with an electricity output of less than 300 MWe, although general opinion is that anything with an output of less than 500 MWe counts as a small reactor.[1][2]

Modular reactors are manufactured at a plant and brought to the site fully constructed. They allow for less on-site construction, increased containment efficiency, and heightened nuclear materials security.

The mpower system seems to be the choice.

Small modular reactor

mPower: United States

The mPower from Babcock & Wilcox (B&W) is an integrated PWR SMR. The nuclear steam supply systems (NSSS) for the reactor arrive at the site already assembled, and so require very little construction. Each reactor module would produce around 125MWe, and could be linked together to form the equivalent of one large nuclear power plant. B&W has submitted a letter of intent for design approval to the NRC.[35]

[ralph124c]

At last, some sanity. This is worth all the solar cells and windmills put together-clean power, and no CO2 emissions.
Al Gore wold be proud.

[Flander]

That’s pretty neat! I’ve always been fascinated by atomic energy. It’s a shame the safety stigma delayed development of new reactors so much.