GE Hitachi, Gates' firm pitch reactor designed to share grid with renewables

摘要

A nuclear reactor designer backed by billionaire Bill Gates is teaming with a General Electric-Hitachi joint venture to try to build a demonstration next-generation nuclear plant intended to complement the growing renewable energy component on US electric grids. TerraPower and GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy have designed a nuclear plant system that features a sodium-cooled fast reactor with a connected thermal energy storage system, TerraPower and GEH said in an Aug. 27 statement. The companies are seeking US Department of Energy funding for a demonstration unit. The Natrium reactor and storage system is a 345-MW net reactor system that will provide greater operating flexibility for owners, the companies said in the statement. "Natrium reactors are designed to provide firm, flexible power that seamlessly integrates into power grids with high penetrations of renewables," the companies said in their statement.