In addition to dedicating much of his time to fighting for him Epidemia control and eradicate diseases such as malaria and different Diarrheic fevers Throughout the planet, one of Bill Gates’ main concerns has been the Obtaining sustainable energy. Something in which Microsoft’s founder has invested a huge amount of money.
One of those investments has been Terrapowera company founded by Bill Gates in 2006 dedicated to the development of New generation nuclear reactors. Its objective is to create a safer, efficient and less waste energy, highlighting projects such as the Traveling Wave Reactor (Traveling Wave Reactors or TWR) and the Natrium reactor of molten salts.
Gates wants to end the polluting freighters
For him Natrium developmentTerrapower had the collaboration of HD Hyundai, one of the world’s largest naval builders based in South Korea. Now Bill Gates has renewed that commitment To carry that alliance a little further and advance in the development of small nuclear modular reactors (SMR) that could revolutionize the Cargueros ship propulsion of great tonnage.
This collaboration represents a significant step to reduce maritime transport emissions, responsible for 3% of CO2 global emissions, comparable to those issued by countries Like Germany or Japan.
The ambitious project seeks to extend the use of these reactors beyond land plants, integrating them into ships capable of traveling long distances with zero direct emissions.
As confirmed In a statement HD Hyundai, La Naviera is already developing a container convener with capacity for 15,000 TEU promoted by SMR, with investments of more than 200 million dollars and the expectation of operating these ships around 2030.
For its part, Terrapower provides the technology of its fourth generation Natrium reactor with liquid sodium cooling and thermal storage in molten salt, recognized for its high efficiency and safety.
The alliance between Terrapower and HD Hyundai made the SMR possible
The first 2024 alliance between Terrapower and HD Hyundai was an important impulse to the development of Gates Startup SMR reactors, promising a lower generation of waste in the process and better adaptation to energy demand due to its small size.
In that agreement, both companies joined to manufacture the reactor vessel for the Natrium’s first land plantshowing a synergy that is now extended to climb the production and application of these SMR at the commercial level, including their use in maritime propulsion.
SMR reactors (Small Modular Reactors) They are actually small compact nuclear plants with modularized design, which facilitates its series manufacturing and reduces operational costs. In addition, when using advanced technologies such as liquid sodium cooling, its use is safer in mobile scenarios such as its installation on a cargo ship, eliminating common risks in traditional nuclear energy, such as overpressure.
On the other hand, their size allows to integrate them into small spaces which opens a whole range of options for its use at a commercial level as substitutes for the big diesel engines that move the gigantic charges who vertebrate world trade routes. This flexibility opens new opportunities not only in the maritime sector, but also in green hydrogen production and as support for floating electrical networks.
As Chung Kisun, executive vice president of HD Hyundai, points out through the official statement From the company, “this will mean a turning point in the construction of a global nuclear supply chain and in the advancement of the change of energy paradigm.” Chris Mild, CEO of Terrapower, adds that “the association with HD Hyundai allows us to accelerate the commercialization of Natrium reactors and create market opportunities worldwide.”
Image | HD Hyundai, Flickr (World Bank Photo Collection)
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