There are more solutions than obstacles. Nicolas Zart
Small and Micro Reactors’ Potential
As Electric Air Mobility, LLC brings a coherent vertiport infrastructure and energy ecosystem to airports and cities, the renewed nuclear energy solutions with small and microreactors are quickly looking to fulfill the growing future energy demands. Among the array of renewable energy solutions, the resurgence of nuclear energy, specifically Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Micro Reactors (MRs), is showing amazing potential. These compact nuclear reactors offer a range of benefits that align with AAM’s unique energy requirements.
The Rise of Small and Micro Reactors
Research breakthroughs in SMRs have demonstrated that small-scale nuclear energy is safer than traditional Mega GW nuclear power plants with a more difficult roadmap to proliferation. Today, Micro Reactors (MRs) are emerging as a potent alternative, providing advantages that suit our AAM vertiport energy future needs. MRs can be manufactured in controlled settings with high-quality production and strict adherence to standards, leading the industry toward reactor standardization.
MRs offer versatility in their ability to work in various environments. They can complement existing power infrastructure, integrate into existing grids, and serve as standalone electricity generators. Economically, MRs provide significant benefits over SMRs, with reduced manufacturing costs and initial capital investments. They are well-suited for regions seeking to expand their energy capabilities without committing to large power plants.
The AI Energy Boogieman
The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has brought attention to its substantial energy demands. With some countries expecting a 300% increase in power needs due to AI, the strain on energy infrastructure becomes evident. Extreme weather conditions further highlight the need for robust energy solutions, as brownouts and blackouts become more frequent.
According to Rob West, founder and CEO of Thunder Said Energy (TSE), the energy consumption from AI in 2030 is estimated to reach 150GW globally, translating to 1,000TWh of new electricity demand. This underscores the urgency of exploring nuclear energy options, which can provide reliable and emissions-free power.
Nuclear Energy for AAM’s Vertiports
AAM’s vertiport infrastructure will require significant energy to support operations, including AI data centers. Vertiports, with their complex energy needs, can benefit from the reliable and scalable power that nuclear energy, specifically SMRs and MRs, can provide.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) confirms the shift towards clean energy investments, reporting that global investment in renewable energy sources has doubled that of fossil fuels.
US Small Nuclear Reactor Study
The US Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is looking into a nuclear microreactor prototype capability to power US Army bases with its Advanced Nuclear Power for Installations (ANPI) program. The program is looking into a nuclear microreactor prototype with 20 percent less Uranium-235 requirement to meet 100 percent of critical load requirements from 3 to 10 MW of electrical power.
Stay tuned as we explore the future of energy in Advanced Air Mobility and how nuclear solutions, such as SMRs and MRs, can play a pivotal role in powering our AAM vertiport infrastructure.
For your reading pleasure:
https://inl.gov/trending-topics/microreactors
https://www.rolls-royce.com/innovation/novel-nuclear/micro-reactor.aspx
https://www.westinghousenuclear.com/energy-systems/evinci-microreactor
[…] at Electric Air Mobility, we are actively monitoring advances in nuclear energy development, now in its fourth generation with promising benefits and very low proliferation […]