Articles tagged with Nuclear Energy
A study by the University of California, Davis, compares three types of energy providers in California, finding that community choice aggregations (CCAs) purchased more renewable energy but went farther to source it. The study highlights the need for energy providers to prioritize local and renewable sources.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have developed a machine-learning technique to improve the control of nuclear fusion reactions, which could lead to more efficient and environmentally friendly energy production. By modifying reactor walls using computer-generated data, they aim to reduce damage from plasma interactions and i...
Researchers have successfully measured the lowest known nuclear-excited state in thorium-229, a crucial step towards constructing a nuclear clock. The measurement was made using an extremely accurate detector that detected tiny temperature increases due to energy released during de-excitation of the atomic nucleus.
A new study published in Nature Energy reveals that nuclear power does not deliver sufficient carbon emission reductions and should not be considered a low-carbon energy source. Renewable energy investments are found to have stronger correlations with CO2-emission reductions, particularly in countries with lower GDP per capita.
Researchers at Idaho National Laboratory and University of California San Diego discovered a rare glassy metal during studies on lithium recharging. The discovery could lead to improved battery life and new applications for glassy metals, which are difficult to produce but offer powerful material properties.
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have developed nanocages to trap noble gases, including xenon and krypton, which can improve nuclear reactor efficiency and reduce radioactive waste. The team plans to scale up the production of these materials with partner Forge Nano.
Researchers confirmed the need to include three-nucleon interactions in electromagnetic transitions, using state-of-the-art gamma-ray detectors and femtosecond lifetimes measurements. The experiment found significant differences in lifetime predictions between two-body and three-body nuclear interactions.
The University of Jyvaskyla's nuclear theory group, in collaboration with the EXO-200 experiment, has made significant progress in solving the long-standing reactor antineutrino anomaly. By measuring the electron spectral shape of beta decay, they have verified a theoretical hypothesis and supported the HKSS flux model.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory are refining their design of a 3D-printed nuclear reactor core and developing methods to confirm the consistency and reliability of its printed components. The Transformational Challenge Reactor Demonstration Program aims to turn on the first-of-its-kind reactor by 2023.
Sandia's Resilient Energy Systems campaign aims to defend large electrical utility systems against cyberhacks, electromagnetic disturbances, and natural disasters. The Assured Survivability and Agility with Pulsed Power research campaign explores technologies to simulate nuclear explosions without actual tests, aiming to maintain the U...
The Virtual Environment for Reactor Applications (VERA) software suite has been licensed commercially for the first time, with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) as its first commercial licensee. VERA provides advanced modeling and simulation capabilities to improve nuclear reactor performance and safety.
Researchers at Korea Institute of Energy Research have developed a new separator membrane that significantly reduces gas crossover in water electrolyzers. The membrane exhibits high performance comparable to commercial separators while maintaining low ohmic resistance.
Researchers have discovered a way to modify molecules to remove toxic radioactive elements from spent nuclear fuel, making the process safer and more efficient. This breakthrough could lead to improved design of new molecules for spent fuel reprocessing, enabling better management of long-term radioactive waste.
Researchers at the University of Sussex have found a way to convert depleted uranium into ethane, an alkane used to produce ethanol and other compounds. This breakthrough could reduce the storage burden of DU and lead to new energy sources, challenging previous fears about its health risks.
A new theoretical model predicts how protons will collide with hydrogen atoms in high-energy collisions, validating some previous conclusions while revealing discrepancies. The model has the potential to advance our understanding of plasma behavior and its application in realizing clean energy sources.
Researchers investigate possibility of facilitating controlled fusion reactions with assisted tunneling processes using X-ray free electron lasers. Theoretical results show promise for increasing tunneling rate, paving way for successful controlled fusion reaction.
The article highlights Russia's nuclear industry's efforts to combat climate change by sharing its educational expertise globally. The researchers emphasize the need for a new 'educational paradigm' to secure the transfer of knowledge to a digital economy, focusing on training personnel in emerging technologies.
Researchers propose a new safety barrier for large Light Water Reactors, which they claim could have prevented the devastating accidents at Chernobyl and Fukushima. The barrier is expected to reduce the probability of core melt to that of a large meteorite hitting the site.
The US Department of Energy has awarded approximately $80 million over three years to strengthen the nation's energy infrastructure. The funding aims to bolster the reliability and resilience of energy systems through various projects, including malware detection and advanced sensors and data analytics.
The SRNL-designed radiation detection system has been successfully implemented at the Port of Tacoma and NY/NJ, detecting illicit radioactive material in intermodal cargo containers. The system is expected to save significant time and space requirements for scanning these containers, increasing operational efficiency.
Scientists from the Institute of Nuclear Physics have found that high-energy collisions produce 'forward-directed' jets, which require accounting for saturation and Sudakov effect. The researchers took into consideration two previously known phenomena to describe the production of these jets accurately.
The International Energy Agency argues that nuclear power can fill the gap in low-carbon electricity generation, but safety concerns and high costs are barriers. Nuclear reactors can generate energy with low greenhouse gas emissions like other low-carbon sources.
The University of Pittsburgh's Swanson School of Engineering has received three substantial grants from the US Department of Energy, totaling $2.3 million, to advance nuclear energy research and development.
Scientists at LMU Munich have successfully quantified the energy released by thorium-229 nucleus decay, a crucial step towards developing a nuclear clock. The study enables lasers to emit in a wavelength range that can excite the nucleus, paving the way for a new era of precise measurements.
Two research teams, including TU Wien, simultaneously demonstrate the long-sought Thorium nuclear transition, enabling extremely precise nuclear clocks. This discovery opens up new research possibilities, including investigating dark matter and measuring natural constants.
Tadpoles from an uncontaminated wetland were placed in a canal with releases of radiocesium from a nearby reactor, accumulating the contaminant at different rates. The study found that bullfrog tadpoles reached maximum threshold levels between 11-14 days, which is faster than previously studied species like waterfowl and fish.
A recent study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that public fear of nuclear power leads to a 40% decrease in chosen nuclear generation. The team surveyed over 1,200 US respondents and showed some with the names of energy sources and others with risk information to disentangle the root causes of public opinion.
The Versatile Test Reactor will allow scientists to test various fuels, coolants and reactor components to evaluate new technologies for future generations of advanced nuclear reactors. The reactor's experimental configurations will provide key information to scientists as they work to develop innovative reactor designs.
Jefferson Lab's CEBAF facility has confirmed the production of charm quarks in J/ψ particles following a recent upgrade to its operating energy. This achievement expands the realm of precision nuclear physics research with electron beams at higher energies.
The new sCO2 turbine can achieve a 50% efficiency, outperforming conventional CSP systems. It also boasts a compact size and scalability to 450 MW, making it ideal for fossil plant improvement and waste heat recovery.
Researchers at MIT developed a new 'hybrid' cathode combining two approaches to increase energy output per pound and liter, resulting in higher power density. The new material can already beat existing batteries in terms of energy density, paving the way for longer-range electric cars and portable electronics.
Srinivasan will develop a novel kinetic approach to understand astrophysical phenomena associated with supernovae explosions and their impact on plasma transport. His research has implications for clean energy, national security, and fundamental science.
Researchers at UTSA are working on new accident tolerant fuels (ATFs) that will limit overheating and reduce the risk of radioactive leaks. The goal is to replace conventional fuel with a more durable material, enabling nuclear plants to better withstand accidents.
Researchers suggest engineered light can regulate human health and productivity by eliciting hormonal responses, while tailored LED wavelengths stimulate plant growth and increase nutritional value. The broader integration of LEDs with technology holds potential for significant societal value beyond energy savings.
The Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory is collaborating with industry on six new projects focused on advancing commercial nuclear energy technologies. These projects aim to improve current nuclear reactors and move new reactor designs closer to deployment.
A team of international researchers has captured the tensor-force originated high-momentum proton-neutron pairs using a proton scattering experiment. The study reveals the dominance of particular nuclear structures, shedding light on the nuclear force's non-central component and its effect on nuclear structure.
A 'friendly' EMP generator has been used to test various electronic devices, including military equipment and civilian products, for their ability to withstand an electromagnetic pulse. Preliminary results show that some devices can be protected with additional shielding.
Scientists from Swansea University and international partners use x-ray and neutron imaging to assess fusion component robustness, yielding valuable data for development. The research aims to harness nuclear fusion safely and efficiently, overcoming temperature challenges in extreme environments.
Researchers at Idaho National Laboratory discovered a way to make superalloys more resistant to heat-related failures, allowing them to withstand high temperatures six times longer than untreated counterparts. This breakthrough could improve materials performance in electricity generators and nuclear reactors.
The US Department of Energy has awarded a subcontract to GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy to support the conceptual design and cost/schedule estimate activities for a proposed fast spectrum Versatile Test Reactor. The reactor is crucial for developing innovative nuclear fuels, materials, instrumentation, and sensors.
Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory use laser-based optical tweezers to levitate uranium and plutonium particles, allowing for accurate measurement of nuclear recoil during radioactive decay. This technique enables the detection of isotopes in nanometer and micrometer-sized particles, crucial for nuclear forensics.
Researchers aim to control and stabilize nuclear fusion reactions using heat and magnetic fields. Studies focus on regulating plasma temperature and density to produce fusion power while avoiding thermal instabilities.
Lawrence Paul Lewis received the Secretary of Energy's Achievement Award for his work on Puerto Rico's long-term recovery planning after hurricanes. Linda Hansen was also awarded for her leadership in advancing international adherence to the International Atomic Energy Agency Additional Protocol. Both researchers were recognized by the...
A new MIT study highlights the importance of nuclear energy in achieving deep carbon emissions reductions. The authors propose new policy models and cost-cutting technologies to make nuclear a vital component of low-carbon energy solutions.
Researchers developed a ceramic steam electrode that self-assembles for high-performance electrochemical hydrogen production below 600o C. This breakthrough enables efficient hydrogen production using only water and electricity.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute receives $800K to investigate accident mitigation strategies for nuclear power plants under extreme conditions. The project aims to develop new safety features and solutions to enhance coping time and mitigation capability in accidents.
Researchers have developed a theory to create electron flashes within zeptosecond timeframes, potentially increasing nuclear reaction energy yield. This breakthrough could advance fields like spectroscopy and quantum information processing.
The University of Pittsburgh's Swanson School of Engineering is leading a $1 million project to advance design and manufacture of nuclear plant components via 3D printing. The team aims to develop innovative dissolvable supports, topology optimization, and microstructure design to reduce costs and improve structural integrity.
Jaideep Singh, an MSU assistant professor, received funding for his proposal to search for time-reversal violation using optically addressable nuclei in cryogenic solids. The award will accelerate his research program by about 15 years, recognizing the world-class scientific support at FRIB.
A new study finds that the shutdown of two nuclear power plants in Pennsylvania will not significantly impact power prices due to low natural gas prices. The research suggests that efficient natural gas power plants have increased capacity, making it difficult for nuclear power to compete with competitive market outcomes.
Researchers from MIPT and TISNCM developed a new type of nuclear battery using nickel-63 that packs about 3,300 milliwatt-hours of energy per gram, exceeding previous records. The battery achieves a power density 10 times higher than commercial chemical cells, making it suitable for powering small devices.
A new study by ICTA-UAB analyzes the impacts of substituting fossil fuels for cleaner energies on lifestyles. The researchers conclude that renewable energy sources must grow at a rate two to three times current projections to maintain net energy per capita.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory found that nuclear power plants can adjust to changing demand for power, enabling the use of more renewable energy. This flexibility can lower electricity costs for consumers and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers developed a new method for creating extremely precise clocks using controlled nuclear transitions in thorium-229 nuclei. The frequency of transitions can be increased or decreased by dozens of times, potentially increasing precision by an order of magnitude.
Researchers at the University of Huddersfield have found that tungsten, a favored metal in nuclear fusion reactors, becomes brittle due to radiation damage. This discovery hinders the use of tungsten as a structural material, prompting the development of new alloys that can prevent embrittlement.
Researchers model asteroid destruction using miniatures and laser blasts, estimating required nuclear explosion energy. The study provides a way to experimentally evaluate asteroid destruction criteria.
Physicist Andrea Pocar and his team at UMass Amherst designed a key part of the DarkSide-50 detector, achieving high sensitivity in detecting WIMPs. The detector's double-phase argon technique shows promise in searching for low-mass WIMPs.
Researchers create conditions to test theoretical nuclear effect, capturing excited nuclei and gamma rays for the first time. This advance may improve understanding of star formation and creation of star elements.
A Brazilian researcher's study has elucidated the conditions necessary for self-sustaining nuclear fusion in tokamaks. The findings provide crucial information for the successful operation of ITER, a fusion reactor prototype designed to reproduce the sun's energy generation process.
The proposed integrated Materials Acceleration Platforms (MAPs) could cut the average time for developing a useful new material from 20 years down to one or two years. The report recommends six key areas to create these platforms, including self-driving laboratories, AI for materials discovery, and modular materials robotics.