Ep 429: Claire Schaffnit-Chatterjee - Head of Operations, Dual Fluid
Jan 4, 2024
auto_awesome
Claire Schaffnit-Chatterjee discusses her journey to nuclear energy, Dual Fluid's advanced technology, future energy mix, and nuclear energy's role in global decarbonization.
Dual Fluid utilizes innovative two-fluid technology with metallic fuel and liquid lead for efficient and cost-effective nuclear reactors.
Modular design and safety features of Dual Fluid's reactors allow for efficient production and potential deployment in Rwanda.
Deep dives
Dual Fluid's Innovative Nuclear Technology
Dual Fluid, a nuclear company, has developed an innovative reactor using two fluids: metallic fuel and liquid lead, resulting in high efficiency and lower costs. Their technology includes reactors like DF 300 and DF 1500, with plans for a power chemical processing unit to recycle long-lived nuclear waste and produce clean energy for hundreds of years.
Safety and Efficiency of Dual Fluid's Design
Dual Fluid's design is inherently safe with self-maintained features such as automatic reactions slowdown on temperature increase. Additionally, a melting plug halts the process to ensure safety. The reactor's modular nature allows for efficient production and plans to start building the first reactors by the early 2030s.
Deployment Plans and Focus on Africa
The company aims to demonstrate its technology through a critical assembly demonstration reactor before deploying commercial facilities. Rwanda is a potential location due to political stability, low corruption, and high growth. The technology offers not only clean electricity but also high-temperature operation for hydrogen and fuel production, aligning with Africa's need for clean and stable energy sources.