[NukeNet] Toshiba Builds 100x Smaller Micro Nuclear Reactor

[Mike Ewall]

Oh boy... neighborhood nukes...


December 17, 2007

Toshiba Builds 100x Smaller Micro Nuclear Reactor

Toshiba has developed a new class of micro size Nuclear Reactors that is
designed to power individual apartment buildings or city blocks. The new
reactor, which is only 20 feet by 6 feet, could change everything for
small remote communities, small businesses or even a group of neighbors
who are fed up with the power companies and want more control over their
energy needs.

The 200 kilowatt Toshiba designed reactor is engineered to be fail-safe
and totally automatic and will not overheat. Unlike traditional nuclear
reactors the new micro reactor uses no control rods to initiate the
reaction. The new revolutionary technology uses reservoirs of liquid
lithium-6, an isotope that is effective at absorbing neutrons. The
Lithium-6 reservoirs are connected to a vertical tube that fits into the
reactor core. The whole whole process is self sustaining and can last
for up to 40 years, producing electricity for only 5 cents per kilowatt
hour, about half the cost of grid energy.

Toshiba expects to install the first reactor in Japan in 2008 and to
begin marketing the new system in Europe and America in 2009.


Mike Ewall
Energy Justice Network
215-743-4884
catalyst at actionpa.org
http://www.energyjustice.net