Facing a potentially warmer, drier Washington state, Argonne develops plans to be sure nuclear power plants stay cool
Climate scientists and nuclear science and engineering experts at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory are joining forces to develop a plan B for nuclear power in Richland, Washington.
- Climate scientists and nuclear science and engineering experts at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory are joining forces to develop a plan B for nuclear power in Richland, Washington.
- This makes it possible to easily conduct heat away from a reactor and its cooling rods.
- It relies on a steady, cool flow of water from the Columbia River to keep its temperature down.
- However, when considering construction of future nuclear power plants, Energy Northwest thought it prudent to develop a contingency plan if the river conditions change.