Nuclear Reactor Breakthrough

The US has set a target to produce 100 percent of its electricity using renewable energy sources by 2035, and nuclear power will play a major role in its clean energy transition.

About 20 percent of all the electricity produced in the US already comes from nuclear power plants. However, this isn’t enough. If the country wants to become a leader in the clean energy space, it needs to boost its nuclear energy program and make its nuclear plants more efficient than ever.

A big issue with nuclear reactors is their dependency on nickel-based alloys, which are expensive and are abundantly found in countries (like Russia, Indonesia, Philippines) that are not always on good terms with the US. Moreover, the high moisture content of nickel ore poses transport challenges as well.

Addressing these issues, a team of researchers from Department of Energy‘s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory (AGL) have developed a framework to find material that could replace these nickel-based alloys. Using their framework, the AGL team identified and tested some promising materials.

In fact, the researchers have identified a new material that can successfully endure intense radiation testing and withstand extreme reactor conditions for extended periods.      READ MORE...