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US Tests Air Transport of Small Nuclear Reactor Across States

US Tests Air Transport of Small Nuclear Reactor Across States

MGR Online•International•1d ago

Reader Briefing

The US Department of Energy and the Department of Defense conducted a pioneering test flight to transport a small nuclear reactor by cargo plane from California to Utah, aiming to demonstrate rapid deployment capabilities for both military and civilian uses.

  • •The US tested the air transport of a small nuclear reactor from California to Utah for the first time.
  • •The test involved a C-17 aircraft and a Ward-type small modular reactor from Valar Atomics.
  • •The initiative aims to demonstrate the rapid deployment of nuclear energy for military and civilian applications.
  • •Concerns remain regarding the economic viability and waste management of small nuclear reactors.

Overview

  • •The US Departments of Energy and Defense tested the air transport of a small nuclear reactor.
  • •The test flight occurred on Sunday, February 15.
  • •The reactor was transported by a C-17 aircraft from California to Hill Air Force Base in Utah.
  • •The test aimed to demonstrate the rapid deployment capability of nuclear energy for military and civilian use.
  • •U.S. officials stated the action brings them closer to using nuclear power when and where needed for troops.
  • •President Donald Trump's administration views small nuclear reactors as a means to expand energy production.
  • •The Department of Energy approved funding for two projects in December to accelerate small modular reactor development.
  • •Critics argue that small reactors may produce electricity at a higher cost than large nuclear reactors and renewables.

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Key Quotes

Michael Duffy
"“This brings us closer to the reality of using nuclear power when and where it's needed, to provide our troops with the tools to win wars.”"
“นี่ทำให้เราเข้าใกล้ความเป็นจริงมากขึ้นต่อการใช้พลังงานนิวเคลียร์ในเวลาและสถานที่ที่จำเป็น เพื่อส่งมอบเครื่องมือให้แก่ทหารของเราในการชนะศึกสงคราม”
Edwin Lyman
"“There is no business case for small reactors, which even when they work as designed, will produce electricity at a much higher cost than large nuclear reactors, let alone renewables like wind or solar.”"
“ไม่มีแผนธุรกิจสำหรับเครื่องปฏิกรณ์ขนาดเล็ก ซึ่งแม้ว่าจะทำงานได้ตามที่ออกแบบไว้ ก็จะผลิตไฟฟ้าในราคาที่สูงกว่าเครื่องปฏิกรณ์นิวเคลียร์ขนาดใหญ่มาก และยังไม่นับรวมพลังงานหมุนเวียน เช่น พลังงานลมหรือพลังงานแสงอาทิตย์”

Key Entities

Place

United States(สหรัฐฯ)ℹ️
Country conducting the test transport of a small nuclear reactor.
California(แคลิฟอร์เนีย)ℹ️
State from which the small nuclear reactor was transported.
Utah(ยูทาห์)ℹ️
State to which the small nuclear reactor was transported.
Nevada National Security Site(ศูนย์ความมั่นคงแห่งชาติ)ℹ️
Location from which fuel for Valar's reactor will be transported.
San Rafael Plant(โรงงานซานราฟาเอล)
Facility in Utah where Valar's reactor fuel will be transported.

Organization

Department of Energy(กระทรวงพลังงาน)ℹ️
US government agency that co-operated on the transport test of a small nuclear reactor.
Department of Defense(กระทรวงกลาโหม)ℹ️
US government agency that co-operated on the transport test of a small nuclear reactor.
Valar Atomics
California-based company that partnered with the US government for the small nuclear reactor transport test.
Union of Concerned Scientists(สหภาพนักวิทยาศาสตร์ผู้ห่วงใย)ℹ️
Organization providing commentary on the cost-effectiveness of small nuclear reactors.

Person

Chris Wright(คริส ไรต์)
Secretary of Energy involved in the C-17 flight transporting the nuclear reactor.
Michael Duffy(ไมเคิล ดัฟฟีย์)
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment who traveled on the C-17 flight.
Donald Trump(โดนัลด์ ทรัมป์)ℹ️
Former US President whose administration viewed small nuclear reactors as a way to expand energy production.
Edwin Lyman(เอ็ดวิน ไลแมน)
Director of Nuclear Power Safety at the Union of Concerned Scientists, who commented on the economic viability of small reactors.
Isaiah Taylor(ไอเซอาห์ เทย์เลอร์)
CEO of Valar Atomics, who discussed the capabilities and timeline for small nuclear reactors.