Rolls-Royce has been making presentations about its micro reactor projects in recent months, but for the first time, it has released a detailed video explaining how the nuclear-powered Micro-Reactor operates. Rolls-Royce claims that the Micro-Reactor it designed possesses high power density. This enables the reactor to provide power and heat output as needed, supporting a range of operational demands in a reliable, flexible, and sustainable manner. However, the company has not yet published any technical documents.

As the name suggests, micro reactor designs are much smaller than traditional nuclear reactor designs. This allows them to be scaled for easy transport by rail, sea, and even to space. These advantages make the reactors a viable power source for numerous applications. According to Rolls-Royce, the Micro-Reactor inherently uses a safe and robust fuel form. Each uranium particle at the core of the design is surrounded by multiple protective layers, allowing it to withstand even the harshest conditions.

Where will it be used?

Regarding its applications, the Rolls-Royce Micro-Reactor has numerous potential uses, especially in the United Kingdom and other countries. Designed for rapid deployment and with land-based operation capability, this technology can provide power for a wide variety of applications.

One of the primary applications is military. The Micro-Reactor can be used to power main operational bases or overseas military outposts. The company states that the reactor can be easily set up, requiring minimal interaction and training.

Another application is for civilian use. The Micro-Reactor can provide a long-lasting, clean solution for isolated microgrids and critical load power demands in strategic locations, such as remote overseas regions and island communities with limited access to traditional power sources. It can also help alleviate the burden on national infrastructure in areas with fluctuating power demands. Such a system can be deployed to disaster areas as well.

Additionally, the reactor can be used for industrial purposes. It can power mining operations, industrial sites, or even directly for a company facility. An example that comes to mind is integrating a micro reactor solution into data centers. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, is its use in space. Rolls-Royce is already working with NASA and other space partners to install such a system on the Moon. Nuclear power is seen as a crucial element for providing the stable and long-term energy needed in space. Of course, space usage is not just for settlements but also for directly powering spacecraft engines.

What is the difference between a Micro-Reactor and a Small Modular Reactor (SMR)?

In previous reports, we have frequently discussed Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). However, these two designs are fundamentally different. For example, Rolls-Royce’s Micro-Reactor design can provide 1-10 megawatts of power and its more compact size makes it a portable power source. In contrast, SMRs are larger, providing 0.5 GW or more of energy, and they require the establishment of a fixed facility.

This distinction highlights the versatility of the Micro-Reactor for more mobile and immediate power needs, while SMRs are suited for larger-scale, permanent installations.