Articles tagged with "nuclear-reactor"
Israel hits Iran’s heavy-water reactor as Trump weighs attack plans
Tensions between Israel and Iran have sharply escalated following a series of missile strikes, with Israel reportedly launching airstrikes on Iran’s Arak heavy water reactor. Iranian state media confirmed the attack but assured there was no radiation danger, noting the facility had been evacuated beforehand. Israel warned civilians to evacuate the area prior to the strike, and in retaliation, Iran fired missiles targeting multiple locations in Israel, including a medical building and residential apartments. This exchange marks the seventh consecutive day of Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear-related sites such as Natanz and Isfahan, with Iran responding in kind and urging civilians to seek shelter. The Arak reactor, located southwest of Tehran, uses heavy water to cool its nuclear reactor and, despite redesigns under the 2015 nuclear deal to reduce proliferation risks, remains a potential source for plutonium production, which could aid nuclear weapons development. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported a loss of “continuity of knowledge” at Ar
energynuclear-reactorheavy-waterIranIsraelmissile-strikesnuclear-proliferationFirst US nuclear reactor in 50 years to supply power where grids can’t
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is advancing the development of advanced microreactor technology through the MARVEL project, the first U.S. nuclear reactor in 50 years designed to supply power and heat in remote locations where traditional grids are unavailable. Managed by Idaho National Laboratory (INL), MARVEL is an 85-kW thermal, 20-kW electric test reactor cooled by a sodium-potassium (NaK) alloy. It uses uranium hydride fuel rods moderated by hydrogen and surrounded by a beryllium reflector, employing existing technologies and off-the-shelf components for faster construction. The reactor is located at INL’s Transient Reactor Test Facility (TREAT) and aims to serve as a physical test bed for integrated testing of reactor components, autonomous controls, microgrid interfaces, and process heat applications in a real nuclear environment. MARVEL’s development is divided into three phases over approximately five years. The first phase, currently underway, focuses on finalizing design,
energynuclear-reactormicroreactoradvanced-nuclear-technologyDepartment-of-Energymicrogridsodium-potassium-coolantAurora nuclear reactor may run US base for 10 years without refueling
Oklo has received a Notice of Intent to Award from the Defense Logistics Agency Energy to deploy its Aurora nuclear microreactor at Eielson Air Force Base (AFB) in Alaska. This marks the first formal US military project to adopt a commercial fast microreactor, aiming to enhance energy independence and operational security for defense infrastructure, particularly in remote or unstable environments. The Aurora reactor is designed to operate autonomously for up to 10 years without refueling, using recycled high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) fuel, which reduces nuclear waste and supports long-term, reliable power supply. Its liquid-metal-cooled fast reactor technology offers safety and efficiency advantages over traditional reactors, including a compact core and no need for pressurization. Eielson AFB, home to the 354th Fighter Wing and F-35A aircraft, faces logistical challenges due to its remote sub-Arctic location. The Aurora’s modular design and long fuel cycle will reduce dependence on vulnerable fuel supply
energynuclear-reactormicroreactormilitary-energy-resilienceautonomous-powersmall-modular-reactorsustainable-energySmall nuclear reactor to unleash 1,832°F heat in US for future power
NuCube Energy, a California-based company, is collaborating with the Utah San Rafael Energy Research Center (USREL) to test its next-generation small nuclear microreactor technology. This innovative reactor can deliver heat exceeding 1,832°F (1,000°C), enabling high-temperature industrial applications and off-grid power generation. The technology is notable for producing cost-competitive electricity that can rival natural gas, and it can operate independently from existing power grids, which is particularly beneficial for rural and industrial areas. The reactor design incorporates TRISO fuel and heat pipe technology to minimize moving parts, enhancing safety and reliability. Housed within a stainless-steel compartment, the microreactors also streamline permitting processes. The collaboration with USREL, known for demonstrating advanced power generation technologies, aims to advance NuCube’s modular reactors toward commercialization. This partnership is expected to support clean, affordable, and reliable energy solutions while facilitating integration with chemical and energy conversion processes, potentially transforming energy access in states like Utah.
energynuclear-reactormicroreactorclean-energyhigh-temperature-heatmodular-reactorsenergy-researchUS shows world-first quantum communication in live nuclear reactor
energyquantum-communicationnuclear-reactorcybersecuritydigital-transformationquantum-encryptionclean-energyNew nuclear reactor built for world's most powerful icebreaker
energynuclear-reactoricebreakerArctic-shippingRosatomRITM-400maritime-technologyTrung Quốc hồi sinh công nghệ lò phản ứng muối nóng chảy thorium
energythoriumnuclear-reactorChinamolten-salt-reactorrenewable-energyenergy-production