# TVA Starts Modular Atomic Reactor Study. Newslink **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [February 20, 2013, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tva-starts-modular-atomic-reactor-study-newslink/650915 "2013-02-20T23:06:58Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 3\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bosda_di_chi_of_tricor/32/16845_2.png) [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2013, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tva-starts-modular-atomic-reactor-study-newslink/650915/1 "2013-02-20T23:06:58Z")
A new design of atomic reactor, after decades of stagnation. [http://www.newschannel5.com/story/21289707/tva-signs-deal-to-explore-small-modular-reactor](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](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Small_modular_reactor)** > > The small modular reactor (SMR) is a class of small nuclear fission reactor, designed to be built in a factory, shipped to operational sites for installation and then used to power buildings or other commercial operations. The term SMR refers to the size, capacity and modular construction. Reactor type and the nuclear processes may vary. Of the many SMR designs, the pressurized water reactor (PWR) is the most common. However, recently proposed SMR designs include: generation IV, thermal-neutron... > [@](#): > > 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](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Small_modular_reactor#mPower:_United_States)** > > The small modular reactor (SMR) is a class of small nuclear fission reactor, designed to be built in a factory, shipped to operational sites for installation and then used to power buildings or other commercial operations. The term SMR refers to the size, capacity and modular construction. Reactor type and the nuclear processes may vary. Of the many SMR designs, the pressurized water reactor (PWR) is the most common. However, recently proposed SMR designs include: generation IV, thermal-neutron... > [@](#): > > 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] ---
**Author:** ![ralph124c](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/8797f3/32.png) [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2013, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tva-starts-modular-atomic-reactor-study-newslink/650915/2 "2013-02-20T23:47:01Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![Flander](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/8c91f0/32.png) [@Flander](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Flander)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2013, 12:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tva-starts-modular-atomic-reactor-study-newslink/650915/3 "2013-02-21T00:01:11Z")
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.