How do you make safe, cheap nuclear reactors? Bury them a mile deep

Re:How do you make safe, cheap nuclear reactors? Bury them a... by chickenbig on Wednesday August 28, 2024 @03:05AM (#41376776)

> the void coefficient is positive because of the high level of Boron

With more heat the boron atoms (and water) get further apart. Fun times.

> the high cost mostly comes out of the fact that we don't build nuclear reactors as series + the fact that we finance it at insane rates

The UK has had a hard time getting this. Sizewell C is still pending a final investment decision (while we risk the loss of experience from Hinkley Point C), although the Regulated Asset Base model may help reduce the finance rates.

China appear to get it, mind you. 11 new reactors forecast to cost 33B USD, using experienced teams. But they have energy security issues.

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Re:How do you make safe, cheap nuclear reactors? Bury them a... by littlestymaar on Wednesday August 28, 2024 @11:44AM (#41380770)

> With more heat the boron atoms (and water) get further apart. Fun times.

Not only this, but with the Doppler effect, their ability to capture neutrons diminishes as well.

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