January 4th, 2007
What are the so-called Fourth Generation Nuclear Reactors? Simply put, these are high-temperature nuclear reactors that produce energy at 50% increased efficiency than conventional reactors. They are also said to be very safe.
The science is a bit involved but if you are interested, you may wish to read more about these new reactors by clicking on this link. Now, the more important story, is that of all the current limitations that prohibit us from developing and using these so-called Fourth Generation Nuclear Reactors, one may have already been hurdled.
According to Science Daily.Com, Dr. Wilfred van Rooijen from Delft University of Technology believes that one type of Fourth Generation Reactor, the Gas-cooled Fast Reactor which uses Helium for cooling could finally be made economically viable. Read more about his findings here.