Nuclear Energy Firms Racing To Produce Microreactors

Nuclear energy companies are increasingly focusing on developing microreactors—compact, safer, and more modular energy solutions.

Microreactors are considered safer due to passive safety features that minimize the risk of radioactive releases.

These reactors are expected to play a significant role in decarbonization efforts across various sectors, Indrabati Lahiri reported for Euronews.

While nuclear development in Europe lags behind the US, EU countries like Romania, France, and Bulgaria have ramped up their investments in nuclear projects. Nuclear reactors have diverse applications, including oil production, power generation, manufacturing, and desalination.

They are also used in research facilities, nuclear power plants, and ship propulsion systems such as submarines and icebreakers.

In recent years, nuclear energy companies have worked to reduce reactor sizes, increase zero-carbon energy production, and lessen reliance on electric batteries. Microreactors, about the size of shipping containers, function similarly to small batteries and provide reliable, clean energy for years without refueling.

These reactors are considered safer due to passive safety features that minimize the risk of radioactive releases. They are also cost-effective, as they are factory-built and assembled in modules, reducing construction and labor costs.

Their versatility allows for various applications, including water desalination, district heating, and powering military bases. Additionally, they can operate autonomously without on-site workers or control rooms, enabling more efficient and affordable operations across industries.