Nuclear power provides half of the low-carbon clean energy in the United States. Providing $12-17 per megawatt hour in credits would preserve this clean energy. This would be the cheapest way to preserve most of the low carbon energy in the world.
A France level of nuclear energy buildup on a global scale would eliminate most fossil fuels in 30 years.
Detailed Simulation Will Enable Load-Following Nuclear Power and 100 Year Nuclear Reactor Life
Oak Ridge National Lab has the Virtual Environment for Reactor Analysis. VERA can simulate safety concerns, reactor startups, and fuel-rod behavior, among other things. Dave Kropaczek, the director of CASL, said utilities could extend the lifespans of their 40-year reactors to 80 or even 100 years.
VERA can help determine if major components like the reactor vessel— are in good condition.
VERA simulation can help utilities is by modeling their energy output as the grid changes. VERA can look at every fuel rod, every fuel pellet in the core and look at load-following stresses in the fuel. As long as the fuel stresses are kept within reasonable bounds, more aggressive load-following could be possible. This will enable nuclear reactors to blend in energy production with intermittent solar and wind power.
Brian Wang is a Futurist Thought Leader and a popular Science blogger with 1 million readers per month. His blog Nextbigfuture.com is ranked #1 Science News Blog. It covers many disruptive technology and trends including Space, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Medicine, Anti-aging Biotechnology, and Nanotechnology.
Known for identifying cutting edge technologies, he is currently a Co-Founder of a startup and fundraiser for high potential early-stage companies. He is the Head of Research for Allocations for deep technology investments and an Angel Investor at Space Angels.
A frequent speaker at corporations, he has been a TEDx speaker, a Singularity University speaker and guest at numerous interviews for radio and podcasts. He is open to public speaking and advising engagements.