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NUCLEAR Innovation! First compact reactor operates for eight years without water — Discover the technology of the future!

Published 08/11/2024 às 09:13
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eVinci micro nuclear reactor promises continuous operation for eight years without the need for cooling water

In a groundbreaking initiative that promises to reshape the energy landscape of the province of Saskatchewan, Canada, a compact, self-contained nuclear reactor water is scheduled to enter into operation by the year 2029.

The government of Saskatchewan, in collaboration with the Westinghouse company and the Saskatchewan Research Council announced the project with a budget of CAD$80 million to implement the eVinci microreactor.

Prime Minister Scott Moe demonstrated great optimism regarding the transformative impact of this project, highlighting the ability of the eVinci to meet Saskatchewan’s energy needs in a customized and sustainable way.

"Microreactors provide a customized solution for Saskatchewan’s unique energy needs”, Moe said.

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This technology will not only revolutionize energy production, but will also significantly reduce air pollution. (CREDIT: ITER)
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The eVinci Microreactor Revolution

Westinghouse, the developer of eVinci, claims that this technology will not only revolutionize energy production, but will also significantly reduce pollutant emissions.

Each eVinci unit is designed to prevent the emission of up to 55.000 tons of pollution per year, which represents a significant step towards environmental sustainability.

One of the standout features of eVinci is its capabilities. This micro reactor is capable of generating five megawatts of electricity or producing more than 13 megawatts of high-temperature heat, and can even operate in combination.

According to the Saskatchewan Research Council, this capability makes eVinci a promising and efficient alternative to meet different energy demands.

To put these numbers into perspective, the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission estimated that just one megawatt of capacity in a conventional power plant can meet the energy needs of approximately 400 to 900 homes over the course of a year.

Portability and flexibility

The innovation of microreactors lies not only in their generation capacity, but also in their portability and the possibility of serving remote locations and communities with less access to energy.

The US Department of Energy confirms that types of microreactors are in development, providing a practical solution for regions with limited energy infrastructure.

The physical design of eVinci is also innovative: its installation takes place above ground and requires an area as elaborate as that of a standard precision track.

This compactness facilitates its integration into pre-existing electrical networks, in addition to allowing efficient pairing with renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind.

nuclear reactor, reactor, nuclear
The eVinci is designed with multiple, redundant safety features, from crash-tolerant fuel to passive heat removal. (CREDIT: Westinghouse)

Heat pipe technology: the big difference

Unlike nuclear reactors, which have large volumes of water for cooling, eVinci uses a “heat pipe technology” which eliminates this dependency.

This feature is essential for sustainable operation in locations where access to water is limited, as well as simplifying the installation and maintenance process.

After approximately eight years of service, the eVinci microreactor can be removed for disposal, and a new unit can be installed on the same site.

This system, often compared to a battery, offers a practical and sustainable alternative, facilitating replacement and avoiding the generation of long-term waste.

nuclear reactor, reactor, nuclear
The 5 MWe microreactor can easily scale up and down as an industrial operation grows or reaches end of life. Transportability allows the eVinci microreactor to be delivered wherever power and heat are needed. (CREDIT: Westinghouse)

The Current Reality of Nuclear Power in North America

In the United States, there are currently 54 commercial nuclear power plants in operation, while Canada has six nuclear power plants, according to data from the Canadian government.

Despite their high power generation capacity, traditional nuclear power plants produce large amounts of waste: it is estimated that approximately 2.205 tons of nuclear waste are generated annually in the US, a volume equivalent to less than half an Olympic swimming pool.

This microreactor model could also be an attractive solution for other countries, including Brazil, which faces challenges related to dependence on hydroelectric and thermoelectric energy sources.

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Miguez Amil
Miguez Amil
09/11/2024 10:13

What type of radioactive element is used?
When discarded, does it still have residual radiation?
What are the safety mechanisms to prevent a nuclear accident?
What would be its dimensions?

Jeff
Jeff
In reply to  Miguez Amil
09/11/2024 15:30

“This is complicated, man…”
From the rockets, Serjão.

Delson Ponce Junior
Delson Ponce Junior
10/11/2024 14:03

These Americans are crazy and sick, a nuclear power plant has hundreds of care and professionals, a device like that in a community can cause an extreme disaster for both people and the environment, this is something for the mentally ill, it should come from the United States, they should have solar energy, then a terrorist comes **** the device and makes a wonderful mini nuclear bomb 🤩 🙌 👌🤯

Rafael
Rafael
10/11/2024 20:25

I think that nuclear microreactors will be the solution for the future. Because global warming is producing anomalies in water resources. Therefore, hydroelectric plants are not reliable. The contamination is no worse than that produced by thermoelectric plants, or others.

Fabio Lucas Carvalho

Journalist specializing in a wide range of topics, such as cars, technology, politics, shipbuilding, geopolitics, renewable energy and economics. I have been working since 2015 with prominent publications in major news portals. My degree in Information Technology Management from Faculdade de Petrolina (Facape) adds a unique technical perspective to my analyses and reports. With over 10 thousand articles published in renowned media outlets, I always seek to bring detailed information and relevant insights to the reader. For story suggestions or any questions, please contact me by email at flclucas@hotmail.com.

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