Viability of Microreactors for Powering Remote Locations
According to research from the Idaho National Laboratory, so-called microreactors could be the next big thing for reducing carbon emissions. They could also be useful for powering remote locations like massive cargo ships, or water treatment plants in developing countries. But how viable are these devices?
How Microreactors Work
Microreactors are exactly what you’d imagine them to be – small nuclear reactors that can generate up to 20 MW of power (or an equivalent amount of heat). They are also known as nuclear batteries or fission batteries.
They are factory built and then typically shipped in cargo containers globally, and upon reaching the destination can be located on less than an acre of land and connected to minigrids relatively easily. They are said to be able to efficiently run for decades at a low cost and with very little required maintenance.
While these devices were initially envisioned as solely for powering disconnected locations such as military bases, they have the potential for so much more as it relates to addressing climate change. But, going back to the question originally posed in this post, are they viable? Having solid use cases is only part of the puzzle; the other big piece is making the numbers work.
They key, according to industry experts, is to develop microreactors for non-traditional, niche markets that are not well served by the massive nukes we all know and love. For example, industrial sites like quarries or mining operations, commercial shipping vessels, or disaster sites that require power for a certain number of months during recovery efforts would make good niche markets. Finding good niches is likely the only way to balance the forces of market demand and development costs.
So, are microreactors viable? The answer, in my opinion is no – at least, not yet. There are too many hurdles such as cost, public perception, and uncertain regulations. Therefore, there is currently no line of sight to achieving the critical mass necessary for economies of scale. Decades from now this may not be the case, but as of now, the technology has an extremely long road ahead to achieve total viability.
