Today, there are a lot of conversations around various nuclear engineering technologies. It is important to consider timelines, technological differences, and costs for reactor projects. In this comparison, Hadron Energy will showcase the pros and cons of reactor designs including Lightwater, Helium-Cooled, and Sodium-Cooled.

Lightwater Reactors: Proven Benefits and Key Tradeoffs

• Proven technology with streamlined regulatory approval
• Lower enrichment requirements compared to heavy water reactors
• Dominate global nuclear fleet due to simplicity
• Moderate thermal effeciency limits energy output
• Generates spent fuel that requires containment

Helium-Cooled Reactors: High-Performance Traits and Critical Considerations

• Exceptional thermal conductivity and chemical inertness enhance saftey
• Operates at high temperatures for improved effeciency
• Low neutron absorption preserves reactor performance
• High construction costs due to specialized materials
• Limited global deployment (primarily in the UK and China)

Sodium-Cooled Reactors: Advanced Potential with Notable Constraints

• Effecient actinide burning reduces long-lived waste
• Passive safety features like natural convection cooling
• High power density and fuel utilization
• Sodium reacts with air and water which needs to be carefully monitored
• Complicated maintenance procedures

Lightwater reactors dominate the global fleet due to their widespread adoption, ease of operation, and regulatory familiarity. Heavywater reactors hold a niche in countries with abundant natural uranium reserves. Gas-Cooled and Sodium-Cooled reactors remain less common, primarily used for specialized applications or experimental purposes.

Hadron Energy is developing a lightwater micro modular reactor for industrial applications. Follow along with our leading team to stay at the cutting edge of microreactor technology! Follow us on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hadronenergy/?viewAsMember=true