#234 Microreactors: From the Moon, to the ends of the Earth

For more than a century, the UK’s Rolls-Royce have designed power systems for cars and planes, ships and submarines. Today, they are developing a novel form of nuclear reactor, which will bring reliable power to the Moon, and green energy to some of the world’s furthest frontiers.

The microreactors they are developing are tiny: terrestrial versions will be the size of a shipping container, and the first, lunar, models aim to be the size of a small car. They require no external cooling, and use a novel fuel form—encapsulated pellets—to ensure safety.

One day, they could bring containerised, ready-to-plug-in, power to isolated communities, military forward bases, and disaster zones. But first, Rolls-Royce plans to send them to the moon.

Guests

Gary Jones, head of manufacturing innovation, Rolls-Royce

Katie Jarman, nuclear innovation manager, Rolls-Royce

Catherine Harver, business development manager

Robert Spencer, degree apprentice, Derby University/Rolls-Royce

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