I was eagerly anticipating the 4th of July, and not solely for my love of poolside barbecues. This year’s U.S. holiday marked a significant milestone for nuclear power in the United States.
Last year, the Trump administration aimed for three new microreactors to achieve criticality—a key technological milestone that confirms a reactor’s ability to sustain a chain reaction—by the nation’s 250th anniversary. Remarkably, four reactors reached this milestone just in time.
This achievement is a promising sign for nuclear technology, especially as the demand for electricity and sustainable, emissions-free energy sources continues to grow. However, it’s essential to note that reaching criticality does not mean these reactors are ready to generate power for the grid.
Let’s explore the implications of this milestone for U.S. nuclear energy and the paths ahead for these four pioneering companies.
This story comes from “The Spark,” a weekly climate technology newsletter. Sign up to receive it in your inbox every Wednesday.
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Source: www.technologyreview.com