Spring Break
Nuclear energy breakthroughs developed at OSU
New reactor from technology developed at OSU helps ensure safe, clean nuclear energy
Robert Ingle
Issue date: 7/23/08 Section: News
The ability to create 45 megawatts of power - enough energy to sustain 45,000 homes in a safe and environmentally friendly method - could be seen in the near future because of developments in nuclear energy by an Oregon State spinout company.
NuScale Power Inc., the company developing the nuclear reactor technology, was created from research that began in 2000 by Oregon State University, the Idaho National Laboratory and Nexant Inc., an energy firm and subsidiary of Bechtel Corporation.
The goal of the startup is to commercialize a small, light, water modular reactor that is easily manufactured, transportable, and most importantly, completely safe.
Since the mid-1990s, OSU has been researching "passive" safety systems, failsafe methods which have been approved by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
These systems work through the natural methods of condensation and convection, and take out the need for pumps and external power to cool the reactor in the event of a malfunction. Addressing safety needs has been a consideration of NuScale Power and Oregon State engineers due to uncertain public sentiments regarding nuclear power.
Despite concerns, Jose Reyes, professor and head of the OSU Department of Nuclear Engineering and Radiation Health Physics and chief technical officer of NuScale Power, believes that people are ready to embrace nuclear power.
"The attitudes towards nuclear power have changed a lot," Reyes said. "People are getting serious about global warming and that is driving interest away from oil and coal-burning. Of the environmentally friendly, large-capacity sources of electricity, hydro-electric and nuclear are it."
Beyond possible negative public perception, however, other issues remain in the way of transforming this technology into reality.
A Massachusetts Institute of Technology study on the future of nuclear energy describes four main obstacles with the power source that need to be overcome: the relatively high costs, perceived safety hazards, proliferation risks and after-management of nuclear waste.
NuScale Power Inc., the company developing the nuclear reactor technology, was created from research that began in 2000 by Oregon State University, the Idaho National Laboratory and Nexant Inc., an energy firm and subsidiary of Bechtel Corporation.
The goal of the startup is to commercialize a small, light, water modular reactor that is easily manufactured, transportable, and most importantly, completely safe.
Since the mid-1990s, OSU has been researching "passive" safety systems, failsafe methods which have been approved by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
These systems work through the natural methods of condensation and convection, and take out the need for pumps and external power to cool the reactor in the event of a malfunction. Addressing safety needs has been a consideration of NuScale Power and Oregon State engineers due to uncertain public sentiments regarding nuclear power.
Despite concerns, Jose Reyes, professor and head of the OSU Department of Nuclear Engineering and Radiation Health Physics and chief technical officer of NuScale Power, believes that people are ready to embrace nuclear power.
"The attitudes towards nuclear power have changed a lot," Reyes said. "People are getting serious about global warming and that is driving interest away from oil and coal-burning. Of the environmentally friendly, large-capacity sources of electricity, hydro-electric and nuclear are it."
Beyond possible negative public perception, however, other issues remain in the way of transforming this technology into reality.
A Massachusetts Institute of Technology study on the future of nuclear energy describes four main obstacles with the power source that need to be overcome: the relatively high costs, perceived safety hazards, proliferation risks and after-management of nuclear waste.
Note: writers will not reply to comments.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Nick
posted 7/24/08 @ 3:07 PM PST
The intrinsic commercial angles in this article should be apparent to all but the most least intellectual among us.
I see the term 'water modular reactor' is used. (Continued…)
Post a Comment
Comments by registered users are approved by default.