ARPA-E’s Post

Stay ahead of the curve with our latest blog post discussing the advancements in nuclear energy production to ensure sustainable development. Learn about the capabilities and reliability of nuclear technology in meeting the world's growing energy needs. Stay informed and read the full article here: https://ift.tt/MQdN2cL.

NEW BRIEFING 🌍✨ Discover how the future of nuclear energy can shape the EU's path towards strategic autonomy and a greener future! Our latest publication delves into the crucial role of high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) and the game-changing potential of small modular reactors (SMRs). 🚀💡 🔍 Learn about the steps being taken to boost the supply of advanced nuclear fuels and drive research and innovation. #smr #haleu #nuclearenergy #strategicautonomy https://lnkd.in/dzf5itKm

Nuclear energy is fast running out of fuel. The countries with nuclear energy are securing the last supplies for themselves; only 39 countries have nuclear energy, and Australia is not one of them. https://lnkd.in/gWVsyPS3 𝗙𝗨𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗚𝗬 is not banned in Australia as it is not 𝗡𝗨𝗖𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗥 𝗙𝗜𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡 The ARPANS Act and Regulations were written to capture 𝗡𝗨𝗖𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗥 𝗙𝗜𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡, not 𝗙𝗨𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗚𝗬. However, the ARPANS Act and Regulations capture radioactive materials (controlled materials), so if enough tritium is involved and the owner is a Commonwealth entity, an ARPANS licence will be required. A 𝗙𝗨𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗚𝗬 plant will likely require a particle accelerator or cyclotron to drive the deuterium-tritium to high enough energy to fuse. This would be licensed by ARPANSA under section 13(1)(a)(i) of the regulations. The only resolution is for Australia to re-engage in developing a primary 𝗙𝗨𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗚𝗬 industry. Help in developing further commitment and getting investment from both public and private areas is now required to regain the lost ground and return Australia to the point Australia can make on the future of 𝗙𝗨𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗚𝗬. The US and the UK have now committed to getting 𝗙𝗨𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗚𝗬 on the grid by 2030. Helion has committed to demonstrating in 2028 and has secured contracts with Amazon, Microsoft, Gates, and more.   Australia urgently needs to develop a multi-tiered, clean, base-load power system; this universal need has sparked an urgent rethink in the global 𝗙𝗨𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗚𝗬 and their related international industrial research.

#Eweek2024: Nuclear power provides a significant portion of the worlds low-carbon electricity. #Engineers are innovating advanced nuclear technologies that have the potential to be safer, less expensive to build, and better integrated with the modern grid. Read more: https://ow.ly/518R50QEiC6

SMRs can be a key pillar for the development of nuclear energy! Can it receive the regulatory, government and infrastructure support required to drive success for its stakeholders?

Not so long ago, I was involved in the discussion about 'How to link sustainability and nuclear power'. Now, majority will say that these two don't come together referencing nuclear catastrophic that had happened in the past. I am always challenging myself and opening to different views and alternatives that at first sound as non-accomplishable and in this context, away from common sense. As we know, Irish government is planning to connect Ireland and France via underwater interconnector conducting electricity, which will help Ireland to switch to 70% renewable energy (as set out in the Government's Climate Action Plan). Also, we know that France leads in producing electricity from nuclear power where 70% of total French electricity generation comes from nuclear power plants. This EY's report provide a different perspective and benefits of nuclear energy to reaching sustainability goals.

Can small modular reactors (SMRs) reshape the global energy landscape? Can nuclear energy emerge as a low-carbon solution for the future? Our new report reveals how nuclear energy remains critical as a scalable, affordable and safe source of energy to help achieve net zero ambitions. To find out more, read the report below co-authored with Jeremie Haddad, Mile Milisavljevic

“Nothing compares to a Thermo Scientific Dionex IC system for the determination of trace concentrations of ionic impurities in nuclear power plant waters.” (Peter O’Brien, Sizewell B Nuclear Power Plant, EDF UK) Read our case study in collaboration with EDF Energy to find out how you can optimize trace analysis in nuclear power plant water. http://spr.ly/6049kD24D #IonChromatography #DionexIC #CMD

One of the biggest obstacles to nuclear power adoption is the fear of a meltdown incident. To me, a big step towards assuaging these fears was taken recently with the first full-scale demonstration of a reactor capable of passively cooling itself during a loss of power. The cause of nuclear plant meltdowns is usually the loss of power, which prevents a reactor from cooling itself. However, the demo reactor naturally cooled and reached a stable temperature within 35 hours without power —seems like a remarkable achievement! The new design utilises pebble-bed reactors (PBRs), a "passively safe" system that uses low energy density fuel "pebbles" instead of dense fuel rods. Each pebble contains uranium encased in graphite, which slows the nuclear reaction and can withstand high temperatures. Unlike conventional systems that require energy to power water or CO2-based cooling systems, PBRs rely on natural cooling processes. Although this design can’t be retrofitted onto existing plants, perhaps it might usher in a new generation of even safer nuclear plants that could ensure increased trust and adoption of what I believe is a crucial low-carbon energy source. #innovation #energytransition #climatechange

Very interesting look at ever changing energy landscape.