Infographic: Nuclear Reactors, But in Miniature
Construction continues on a new nuclear reactor at Plant Vogtle power plant in Waynesboro, Ga. John Bazemore/AP
Much smaller reactors still pack a powerful punch.
In the next 25 years, electricity demand will increase by nearly 30 percent. In the hopes of keeping up with that requirement, the Energy Department is investing in new technologies such as small modular reactors .
These compact and streamlined reactors, about one-third the size of a normal power plant, can still power almost 230,000 homes per year.
"The smaller size also makes these reactors ideal for small electric grids and for locations that cannot support large reactors, in addition to offering utilities the flexibility to scale production as demand changes," Peter Lyons, assistant secretary for nuclear energy, said in a statement.
Check out the infographic below to see more of these pint-sized powerhouses:
