The hybrid-nuclear emissions philosophy is straightforward: minimize the production of pollutants by partial use of nuclear fuel, thereby reducing discharges by a factor of nearly two. Such an approach is effective and practical, particularly given the relative absence of proven underground formations to permanently store massive quantities of CO2.

However, the CO2 sequestration methods envisioned for gasification and coal plants could also be employed by a hybrid-nuclear plant but at a much lower cost, because only about half as much equipment is required. The quantity of CO2 potentially involved with sequestration is also significantly less.

Because the hybrid-nuclear reactor is small by conventional standards and efficient, only a few tons of radioactive spent fuel (with minimal levels of long-lived radioactive materials) are produced each year by a typical plant. Also, about half the plant’s fuel is derived from fossil fuels.

Coal plant ash is becoming an increasingly difficult environmental problem due to the presence of toxic contaminates, such as heavy metals, and regulations governing disposal of the waste. However, ash discharged from a hybrid-nuclear/coal gas plant is an environmentally benign, non-leaching glass-like slag that has many commercial uses (such as aggregate in cement). Also, gasification and the reactor greately reduce coal combstion wastes and eliminate sludge as well as ash ponds.

Water use by a hybrid-nuclear plant is a fraction of that needed by similarly sized coal or conventional nuclear power plants. The use of dry cooling tower technology (air cooled condenser) would reduce water consumption to nearly zero.

©2009 Hybrid Power Technologies, LLC
Last Modified: March 22, 2009