The United States wants a reactor on the moon by 2030. A Russian-Chinese alliance is working on one for 2036. Some leading scientists say the danger is great.

A team of researchers from the US Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory has developed a novel monitoring system that combines fiber-optic temperature sensors with artificial intelligence to detect hidden blockages in nuclear reactors before they cause costly failures and shutdowns. The technology specifically targets heat exchangers used in molten-salt-cooled reactors (MSCRs), which contain between 2,000 and 4,000 small channels. Current monitoring systems only track temperature and flow rates at the inlet and outlet of heat exchangers, providing limited data about internal channel conditions. This new system embeds distributed fiber-optic temperature sensing into the heat exchanger's support structures, allowing for real-time temperature data collection across thousands of channels. AI algorithms then analyze this data to identify unusual temperature patterns that could indicate solidified salt is blocking a channel. According to Alex Heifetz, a principal electrical engineer at Argonne and co-author of the study, the system provides a 'high-resolution look' into where faults are occurring, enabling early detection of blockages. The AI also explains its decisions, helping operators understand and trust the system. This technology is particularly important for molten-salt-cooled reactors, which operate at much higher temperatures (around 932°F or 500°C) than conventional reactors, where salt coolant can solidify near its freezing point. Early detection of potential blockages could prevent expensive repairs or unplanned reactor shutdowns. The study has been published in the journal Nature Scientific Reports, and the researchers emphasize that their approach can detect subtle patterns in large data volumes that would be challenging for human operators to identify. The system's ability to provide detailed fault location and severity assessment represents a significant advancement in nuclear reactor monitoring technology.

Kernreaktoren ~ Studentenstadt ~ Cafe-Trend ~ Grange House ~ Chinese Heritage ~ Kernenergie ~ Roboter ~ Auto-Solardach

Unicorns, Bigfoot, and banshees have been scientifically debunked, but ghosts are real – kind of.  The exceptionally elusive neutrinos and their counterpart antineutrinos are known as ghost particles ...

The article discusses how molten salt reactors (MSRs) and sodium-cooled fast reactors (SFRs) could worsen nuclear waste management issues despite being promoted as advanced solutions. Experts note that while these reactor designs are being funded for their potential to reduce waste, their unique fuel compositions—such as molten salt or metallic fuels—complicate long-term storage and disposal. Current geologic repositories for spent fuel face delays, yet policymakers continue investing in these technologies under the assumption they will solve waste problems. The study highlights that MSRs and SFRs may actually increase the complexity of waste management due to their chemical properties, requiring new regulatory frameworks aligned with existing laws like the Nuclear Waste Policy Act. The authors urge governments to address these challenges before licensing advanced reactors, emphasizing the need for transparent policies to prevent exacerbating environmental risks.

Short sellers have capitalized on the declining stock prices of companies involved in modular nuclear reactor technology, reportedly reaping over $2 billion in profits. The article highlights how the sector's volatility has created opportunities for speculative trading, with investors betting on further declines in stock values. This trend is linked to broader market dynamics, including increased interest in nuclear energy as a clean power source and the financial risks associated with developing advanced reactor technologies. The piece also notes the impact of geopolitical factors and regulatory uncertainties on the industry's performance. While the short-selling activity reflects market confidence in the sector's potential for correction, it underscores the high-risk nature of investing in emerging energy technologies. The article emphasizes the need for careful analysis of both financial and technical factors when evaluating investments in nuclear energy projects.

While the Russian military attacks Ukraine's power infrastructure, Europe and the U.S. still depend on Russian nuclear fuel to power their electricity grids. Canadian-owned Westinghouse Electric is am...

This article examines the persistent challenges facing Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMRs), highlighting their technical, economic, and safety hurdles. Despite promises of cost efficiency and scalability, SMRs face significant obstacles such as high development costs, regulatory complexities, and unresolved safety concerns. The text references specific projects like NuScale Power's modular reactors and TerraPower's traveling wave reactor, which have encountered delays and budget overruns. Environmental risks, including nuclear waste management and potential accidents, are also discussed. The article argues that SMRs may not be a viable solution for clean energy without breakthroughs in technology and policy support. It emphasizes the need for alternative renewable energy strategies to address climate change effectively. Key points include the failure of multiple SMR initiatives, the importance of public trust in nuclear safety, and the broader implications for global energy transitions.

US nuclear ambitions move offshore as small reactors promise long missions, coastal power and fewer refueling stops worldwide

Oklo (NYSE: $OKLO), a start-up company that makes compact #NuclearReactors, has been awarded a contract to supply power to a U.S. Air Force Base in remote Alaska.

Investors with an eye to the future and an appetite for risk might want to consider investing in #OkloInc (NYSE: $OKLO), a small-cap stock that makes compact #NuclearReactors.

Kansai Electric Power will begin surveys for the construction of a new nuclear power reactor at its Mihama power station in Fukui prefecture, western Japan, to replace the existing facility, the compa...

The US government and companies are plowing billions into small modular reactors. China is leading in the tech, Russia is making almost all the fuel. The US is playing catch-up.

The Trump administration is planning to give surplus plutonium from dismantled nuclear bombs to new, untested nuclear startup companies.

The American Southwest is linked to one of four continental-scale “mega-drying” regions worldwide, according to a recent study.