This may have been mentioned in passing on vortex, but just in case it hasn't, "mini" nuclear plants (Hot-tub-size minireactors) are being developed.
>From the Kiplinger letter, Sept 12, 2008 newsletter, ENERGY topic: "The first new nuclear power plants in decades: Hot-tub-size minireactors being developed by Toshiba, Hyperion Power Generation and NuScale Power. The miniplants can create enough electricity to power a town of about 25,000 homes. But municipal uses aren't likely. In four to five years, they'll show up in remote spots for heavy industry functions like oil extraction from tar sands or water desalination. In 2014 or 2015, look for the first new full-size plant to come on line, followed by a score or more of additional facilities erected within a handful of years. In fact, demand will be large enough to support assembly-line production. The Shaw Group and Westinghouse Electric are building an enormous facility in La. to mass-produce control systems, piping, steel reinforcing and other components for a standardized plant, the AP1000. Only the reactor core must be built on-site." Regards, Steven Vincent Johnson www.OrionWorks.com www.zazzle.com/orionworks
