Micro-Scale Nuclear Reactor Prototype Showcased in Washington D.C.
In April 2024, energy startup Last Energy unveiled a prototype of its microreactor outside the Washington Convention Center, where an international Conference for data centers and IT professionals was taking place. The Conference highlighted the high energy needs of data centers and the role of nuclear power in solving this problem.
The Last Energy prototype is the upper part of the PWR-20 underground power plant, which contains the main components: reactor, compressor, steam generator and cooling pumps. The arrangement of the components resembles the structure of a glacier, as it has an underground nuclear island. The prototype is a non-functioning model 14.5 meters high and weighing 22 tons.
According to the company, it is a 20 MWe single-circuit PWR microreactor with cooling based on the principle of natural convection. The reactor will use fuel with an enrichment of 4.95% or less and will have a 6-year fuel cycle with a three-month refueling period.
“Last Energy is promoting the development of micro-scale nuclear power as the fastest, most affordable route to cleaner load that requires fewer resources to operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The company notes that the microreactors will provide flexibility in siting and will generate electricity on-site by supplying power through a separate wire. This will help customers avoid price fluctuations for electricity consumption during peak hours.