A Micro Nuclear Power Plant in Your Backyard

What It Is: China has demonstrated the first full-scale meltdown-proof reactor, revolutionizing nuclear safety. While modern reactors are safer, meltdown risks persist when cooling systems fail. Now, researchers at Tsinghua University have proven a game-changing design: the 200-megawatt HTR-PM. This reactor uses “pebble” fuel instead of rods, allowing passive cooling. In a groundbreaking test, they cut power to a live plant—and it cooled naturally in 35 hours! This “inherently safe” design could transform the nuclear industry, providing clean energy without meltdown fears.

Why It Matters: AI is power-hungry. It’s predicted that AI will require 100% of the U.S. energy production by 2030. While China has been rapidly scaling its energy production (see chart below), the U.S. energy output has been flat. China’s meltdown-proof nuclear reactor marks a pivotal moment for clean energy and is likely the approach the U.S. will need to meet both its AI objectives as well as its climate goals. This breakthrough directly addresses our greatest nuclear concern, clearing the path for safer, more widespread adoption. It exemplifies how technology can overcome our most daunting challenges and create abundance. This is ultimately the type of energy power plant I’m happy to have in my backyard.

https://www.diamandis.com/blog/micro-nuclear-power-plant-other-tech-breakthroughs?

singularityhub.com

China Demonstrates the First Entirely Meltdown-Proof Nuclear Reactor

In a paper, researchers describe a test in which they cut power to a live nuclear plant—and the plant was able to passively cool itself.