Smaller self-contained nuclear reactors that can be manufactured and shipped. Multiple micro-reactors can be combined for higher energy needs. It is believed to be safer because it can be manufactured and shipped (along with self-regulating Tri-structural isotropic particle fuel (TRISO) fuel) rather than custom built on-site as nuclear reactors are today. They use helium gas to cool the reactor which is also safer in case of excess heat and more efficient for generating electricity.
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Tri-Structural Isotropic Particle Fuel (TRISO)
A kind of fuel for nuclear reactors composed of a ‘sand’ of coated fuel pellets. This allows the fuel to expand and contract, but the fission products (e.g. gasses) stay contained. The fuel has a negative temperature reactivity coefficient which halts the fission reaction if the fuel reaches a certain temperature. This self regulation makes it much safer compared to conventional reactors.
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Helium Gas Cooled Reactors Are Safer
Nuclear reactors are often regulated by water to control excess heat. However, micro-reactors are cooled using Helium gas. This has the advantage of eliminating the possibility of phase changes like water turning into gas which generates pressure. It is also more efficient for generating electricity since water does not need to be moved around the reactor.