Nuclear Batteries Are the Secret to Unlimited Energy, Scientists Say—and They Could Arrive by 2030

When its first nuclear power plant went online in 1957, America seemed poised to embrace nuclear energy. But by the 1990s, with accidents at Chernobyl and Three Mile Island souring public opinion, enthusiasm plummeted. Over the next three decades, research and construction of new reactors stalled.

In recent years, however, interest in nuclear power has resurged as America's energy demands continue to rise. But unlike the massive behemoths of the nuclear age, some of today's reactors, called microreactors or nuclear batteries, are small, and can easily fit inside a truck. And they just might help solve America's energy conundrum, according to experts. Several in tandem, for example, might power a college campus or a remote mining community. They could be installed on barges and serve as floating nuclear power plants, bringing power where it's needed by ocean or sea.

View in Browser  SHOP EXCLUSIVE SUBSCRIBE Nuclear Batteries Are the Secret to Unlimited Energy, Scientists Say—and They Could Arrive by 2030 Nuclear Batteries Are the Secret to Unlimited Energy, Scientists Say—and They Could Arrive by 2030 When its first nuclear power plant went online in 1957, America seemed poised to embrace nuclear energy. But by the 1990s, with accidents at Chernobyl and Three Mile Island souring public opinion, enthusiasm plummeted. Over the next three decades, research and construction of new reactors stalled. In recent years, however, interest in nuclear power has resurged as America's energy demands continue to rise. But unlike the massive behemoths of the nuclear age, some of today's reactors, called microreactors or nuclear batteries, are small, and can easily fit inside a truck. And they just might help solve America's energy conundrum, according to experts. Several in tandem, for example, might power a college campus or a remote mining community. They could be installed on barges and serve as floating nuclear power plants, bringing power where it's needed by ocean or sea. When its first nuclear power plant went online in 1957, America seemed poised to embrace nuclear energy. But by the 1990s, with accidents at Chernobyl and Three Mile Island souring public opinion, enthusiasm plummeted. Over the next three decades, research and construction of new reactors stalled. In recent years, however, interest in nuclear power has resurged as America's energy demands continue to rise. But unlike the massive behemoths of the nuclear age, some of today's reactors, called microreactors or nuclear batteries, are small, and can easily fit inside a truck. And they just might help solve America's energy conundrum, according to experts. Several in tandem, for example, might power a college campus or a remote mining community. They could be installed on barges and serve as floating nuclear power plants, bringing power where it's needed by ocean or sea. Read More Read More Save up to 51% Via the Amazon Resale Store This Memorial Day Discounts on discounts on discounts! Read More A 2,000-Year-Old Sarcophagus Was Just Unsealed—and the Mummy Inside is Mind-Blowing The remarkable preservation reveals intricate details about ancient burial customs. Read More A Teenager Discovered a Ring on a Hike—Turns Out, It's 1,800 Years Old The ring features an engraving of the Roman goddess Minevera. Read More You Can Get Your Window AC Installed In No Time By Following These Simple Steps Got a new unit but not sure where to start? We cover setup (and uninstallation). Read More BioLite and GoalZero Are Having Its Biggest Sales of the Year Ahead of Memorial Day Weekend The two brands merged earlier this year and are now offering up to 40% off on their best outdoor gear. Read More Need Assistance? Contact Us. Follow Us Unsubscribe | Privacy Notice | CA Notice at Collection Popular Mechanics is a publication of Hearst Magazines. ©2025 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This email was sent by Hearst Magazines, 300 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019-3779