StarCore Nuclear

The Montréal-based StarCore is focused on developing small modular reactors (SMRs) to provide sustainable energy and clean water to communities most in need. Their operations utilizes ”inherently safe”, proven nuclear technology that can survive the worst possible incidents and not adversely affect the surrounding community.

The Canadian reactor designer has applied to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) to begin the vendor design review process for its Generation IV high temperature gas reactor (HTGR).The ”inherently safe” plant design, is determined to become a vital part of Canada’s bid to reduce carbon emissions. The Generation IV high temperature gas reactor (HTGR), will displace propane and diesel, produce 20 MWe (36 MWth), and will be expandable to 100 MWe.

“Inherently safe” Plant

• Steep negative thermal coefficient which eliminates the possibility of a core meltdown.
• The use of helium – which does not become radioactive – as a coolant means that any loss of coolant would be “inconsequential”, the company says.
• Would be embedded 50 metres underground in concrete silos sealed with ten-tonne caps.
• Uses Triso fuel – spherical particles of uranium fuel coated by carbon which effectively gives each tiny particle its own primary containment system -manufactured by BWXT Technologies.
• Requires refuelling at five-yearly intervals.

StarCore’s vision of its nuclear power plant (Image: StarCore)

StarCore Website – http://starcorenuclear.ca/

World Nuclear News – http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/NN-Canadian-design-review-for-StarCore-HTGR-0811167.html