Breeding plutonium in pellet-bed reactor

I would like to see a nuclear system with pellets of fuel with some enriched uranium in the center. When the enriched uranium reacts, it would create plutonium in the U-238. Then the plutonium would react. All this would happen within the pellet and without removing the pellet from the pebble-bed reactor. That way, there would be less radioactive waste for the energy produced. Also, the plutonium would react without being where it could be stolen for bomb-making; which is one of the concerns of other breeder reactors.

Tags: breeder, nuclear, pellet-bed, reactor

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Permalink Reply by Antonio on August 27, 2008 at 3:49pm

You can forget about it. The average American is ignorant about nuclear energy and is very afraid about it. Average American would rather have chemical poison repository nearby than a nuclear repository. Who cares if chemical waste will last FOREVER, but at least it is not radioactive.

To the average American it is better to have coal plants for electricity than nuclear power plants. Who cares if coal plants emits carbon dioxide and cause acid rain! At least it is not radioactive.

They don't care that France has around 75% of power from nuclear energy. But then average Joe will say "What France knows about anything? We saved their butts in 2 wars!" Who cares if France help early American colonies to fight against Britain for our independency!

Fortunately, or unfortunately depending on how I see it, I am not your average American.

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Permalink Reply by Jim Martin on August 28, 2008 at 12:31pm

The average American is ignorant and afraid of many new concepts. I am glad our government is a representative form that allows a small number of elected leaders to become informed about issues and find the correct solutions. This forum can help us learn about energy issues and vote for better leaders.

The Solar Windmill is a new invention that uses both solar and wind energy to generate electricity. The average American never heard of it, but my discussions (click on my name) can help change that.