Friday 10 June 2011

Is The Future Of Nuclear Power In Mini Reactors?

Almost 60 years ago, engineers in Idaho switched on the world's first nuclear power plant. It was only able to illuminate four light bulbs. The reactor vessel in Idaho stood about eight feet high, and eventually it made enough electricity to power a building.

A nuclear plant today can produce 10,000 times as much electricity. But for the last 20 years, new nuclear plants have been too expensive to build. Now engineers are trying to revive the industry by thinking small again.

They're designing what they call "modular" or "mini" reactors. Instead of occupying a city block of buildings, the smallest could fit in a two-car garage. And it won't break the bank.

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