Mini-nuclear

Generating nuclear energy doesn’t seem like the kind of activity you would imagine in your backyard. In fact, NIMBY (not-in-my-backyard) opposition is the biggest threat to nuclear energy becoming mainstream.

But perhaps a group of scientists have solved one of physics’ greatest problems: safe, portable nuclear power.

Scientists at the US government lab at Los Alamos say within five years, garden shed-sized nuclear plants powering 20,000 homes will be available. According to the technology licencee, Hyperion Power Generation, the miniature reactors will be factory-sealed, contain no weapons-grade material and require no moving parts. Because the reactor will be encased in concrete and buried underground, they will be nearly impossible to steal.

Hyperion envisions these plants as becoming widespread, particularly in communities that “find real value in being off the grid.” Potential applications include offering security for military facilities, cost certainty for universities and low-income housing projects or the appeal of something new.

Still at the prototype and blueprint stage, details are few and far between. Hyperion revealed their goal is to generate electricity for 10 cents per watt.  Electricity pricing varies widely by location and is significantly cheaper some places than others, but 10 cents is low.  

Inevitably, nuclear power brings some controversy.  The inevitable question is: how safe is my backyard? And even small nuclear has the potential for big opposition.