User:Greyman24/Nuclear microreactor

Design
These reactors are made to fit in small areas where it would be inefficient to introduce a larger power plant, but still has energy needs unsuitable for generators. Nuclear microreactors, also known as small modular reactors (SMRs), are a developing type of nuclear power plant that is designed to generate electricity on a smaller scale than traditional nuclear reactors. These microreactors typically have a capacity of 20 megawatts or less and are designed to be modular and transportable, making them suitable for powering small communities, remote areas, and industries such as desalinization and hydrogen fuel production.

One of the primary advantages of nuclear microreactors is that they have a lower environmental impact than fossil fuels. They emit no greenhouse gases such as CO2 and methane. The waste they produce is radioactive however, creating an issue of safe handling and disposal. One of the current methods of disposal is burying waste in deep underground storage facilities such as Onkalo, the newest and arguably most durable site located in Finland. In addition, they can operate continuously for up to 10 years without the need for refueling.

Microreactors use nuclear fission to generate heat, which is then used to produce electricity through a steam turbine. The reactor core is surrounded by a thick shield to protect workers and the environment from radiation. The core also contains fuel rods that contain uranium or other nuclear materials. As the fuel undergoes fission, it releases energy in the form of heat, which is then transferred to a coolant that circulates through the reactor. The coolant is typically water or a liquid metal, such as sodium or lead, which absorbs the heat and transfers it to a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger then transfers the heat to a secondary coolant, which is used to generate steam and produce electricity.

One of the key features of nuclear microreactors is their small size and modularity. SMRs can be built in factories and shipped to their final destination, reducing construction costs and time. They can be installed underground, underwater, or in other remote locations, making them ideal for powering small communities, industrial sites, military installations, and other specialized locations. In addition, the modular design allows for easy scalability, allowing additional microreactors to be added to increase power output as needed.

Limitations
Despite these advantages, nuclear microreactors still face challenges. One of the primary challenges is regulatory approval. SMRs must undergo extensive testing and certification before they can be deployed, and many countries have strict regulations in place to govern the use of SMRs such as those given by the U.S Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). In addition, public perception of nuclear energy is often negative, with concerns about safety and nuclear waste disposal.

Current Development
In April 2022, the US Department of Defense announced it's approval of Project Pele, an initiative to lower carbon emissions by the DOD by investing in nuclear technologies. The project has a budget of $300 million to develop a miniaturized reactor capable of generating 1.5 megawatts for a minimum of three years. The US Department of Strategic Capabilities partnered with BWXT Technologies in June of 2022 to accomplish this. BWXT Tech developed a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) which will generate between 1 and 5 MWe and will be transportable in shipping containers. It will be powered by TRISO fuel, a specific design of high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) fuel that can withstand high temperatures and has relatively low environmental risks.