4 ms·
Small reactors aren't cost-effective at scale because of physics. They also need to be near large water sources to use evaporative cooling.
by airhead969 5y ago
Small reactors aren't cost-effective at scale because of physics.
They also need to be near large water sources to use evaporative cooling.
- mech422 5y agoahem...Palo Verde Nuclear plant wishes to speak with you... its only the largest nuclear plant in the country :-)
- airhead969 5y agoI think you misread what I wrote.
- mech422 5y ago>>They also need to be near large water sources to use evaporative cooling. I don't think I did ?
- toomuchtodo 5y agoIt uses treated wastewater for cooling, and due to rising costs, is seeking alternate water sources (as it requires 40k-60k gallons per minute to meet cooling needs). https://cronkitenews.azpbs.org/2020/02/25/palo-verde-nuclear-water-use/ https://cronkitenews.azpbs.org/2020/02/25/palo-verde-nuclear...
- mech422 5y agoI know - I also don't understand what your comment has to do with the statement nuke plants need to be near a large source of water... I don't think that using waste water from a city an hour away would be considered "close to a large source of water". Also, thanks for the link - it was interesting. Maybe they can get my electric bill down some more :-)
- toomuchtodo 5y agoIt’s continued operation is unsustainable based on water availability in the region. It’s stretching to find process water, so I wouldn’t hold it up as a success story, more as “it works for now, but we’re going to need a Plan B when it is no longer sustainable to run.” Its Arizona, so solar, storage, and transmission are fine replacements when it’s retirement is near.