3 ms·

They really need to pick a utilization level and then just send everything to batteries. Massive generation linked with instant availability to smooth out the p

• panick21_ 5y ago
  For traditional nuclear that probably true. The energy market doesn't reward stable. You really want to peak when wind/solar are gone or usage is high. Next generation has two approaches, some try to be very adaptable, scaling up and down quickly. Its not like nuclear isn't capable of that if you have the right reactor. But of course you would prefer to run at 100% most of the time. Other companies basically use a solar salt coolant loop as a heat sink and battery. Basically reusing the technology from Concentrated Solar Plants. Moltex Energy for example basically expect basically a default 1h battery and then depending on the costumer and where you deploy it you can have a larger battery and a bigger turbine. You should be able to basically mix and match the size of your heat battery and your turbine. I could also imagine something like Form Energy Iron batteries just sitting right next to a nuclear plant and simply charging those and saving energy in the form as electricity instead of in heat.
  • downrightmike 5y ago
    Utilities at this scale need to become boring and stable. As long as someone can game it, they will.