Rolls-Royce has introduced a new compact source of power, the Micro-Reactor, to its nuclear portfolio. The company describes it as an innovative and versatile technology that offers high power density and can be transported easily by rail, sea, or even into space.
The Micro-Reactor is capable of providing between 1 and 10 megawatts of power, making it a reliable and efficient option for various operational demands. In comparison to an SMR, which powers 0.5 gigawatts from a static site the size of two football pitches, the Micro-Reactor offers more power in a smaller size.
Rolls-Royce has touted the Micro-Reactor as an inherently safe and robust fuel form that ensures its reliability in extreme conditions. The company envisions different applications for this technology, including defense, remote civil power, remote industrial power, and power in space. With growing demand for power across various industries, particularly in data centers for artificial intelligence and semiconductor companies like TSMC and Intel that require massive amounts of water for cooling, the Micro-Reactor could potentially address these challenges and change the way we generate and use power in these fields.
As Rolls-Royce continues to develop this innovative technology throughout the year, it will be interesting to see how it impacts society’s energy needs.
