Quote:

Australian engineer Bobby Gallagher built a truck-sized 1 MW nuclear microreactor the Unity Nuclear Battery that can run for years without refuelling. It is illegal to build or operate here because of Australia’s ban on nuclear power. The US is now commercialising it. We banned the technology and exported the talent. Lift the ban. Let small modular reactors compete. Cheap, reliable, zero-emissions power should not be off-limits because of ideology. Chris Bowen and Anthony Albanese: this is a policy failure, not a secret. Australians pay the price because of your corruption! https://x.com/KatyKray73/status/2096101940371571052

Quote:

The Courier-Mail @couriermail A Queensland engineer’s truck-sized nuclear microreactor has won Donald Trump’s praise and billions in orders overseas — but here in Australia, it’s banned. https://x.com/couriermail/status/2095300747210662127

Labor and the Greens claim we don't have the talent to make nuclear power.

We have the talent they live overseas because we have banned nuclear power.

This micro reactor could have given us cheaper power and export $$$$$.

I can't watch it as I'm not a member of X.

Yes. I saw a clip on him. Genius.
Just another innovator forced to go overseas or sell out to overseas.

Australia's Federal energy minister has never had a real job where you have to think about how the cost of energy effects your business.

Does anyone else thinks he look borderline mong?

Quote:

Deployable Energy CEO Bobby Gallagher believes his company's nuclear battery microreactor would be "transformational" for the Australian economy and energy industry if it could be deployed in the country. The Australian tech energy entrepreneur, who is based in the US, says the nuclear industry in Australia is being held back by "misconceptions".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ed-fgiUlWZw

Quote:

Aussie makes truck size 1MW nuclear reactor

I can imagine a Australian style Homer Simpson driving around your suburb with one of these things on the back of his truck. She'll be right mate would be the slogan. The project to be re branded as the glow in the dark project when it goes wrong.

Doesn't sound like such a great idea.

Bobby. wrote on Sep 6^th, 2026 at 6:48am:

I can't watch it as I'm not a member of X.

I can't watch it either Bobby, can't make myself.

Dnarever wrote on Sep 6^th, 2026 at 11:06am:

Quote: Aussie makes truck size 1MW nuclear reactor I can imagine a Australian style Homer Simpson driving around your suburb with one of these things on the back of his truck. She'll be right mate would be the slogan. The project to be re branded as the glow in the dark project when it goes wrong. Doesn't sound like such a great idea.

Asimov wrote about such things powered by Atomics in wristwatches to vehicles, long ago.
Him and Clarke have pretty much predicted a lot before their time.

Baronvonrort wrote on Sep 6^th, 2026 at 12:01am:

Quote: Australian engineer Bobby Gallagher built a truck-sized 1 MW nuclear microreactor the Unity Nuclear Battery that can run for years without refuelling. It is illegal to build or operate here because of Australia’s ban on nuclear power. The US is now commercialising it. We banned the technology and exported the talent. Lift the ban. Let small modular reactors compete. Cheap, reliable, zero-emissions power should not be off-limits because of ideology. Chris Bowen and Anthony Albanese: this is a policy failure, not a secret. Australians pay the price because of your corruption! https://x.com/KatyKray73/status/2096101940371571052 [quote] The Courier-Mail @couriermail A Queensland engineer’s truck-sized nuclear microreactor has won Donald Trump’s praise and billions in orders overseas — but here in Australia, it’s banned. https://x.com/couriermail/status/2095300747210662127

Labor and the Greens claim we don't have the talent to make nuclear power.

We have the talent they live overseas because we have banned nuclear power.

This micro reactor could have given us cheaper power and export $$$$$.

[/quote]

So they can get it down to the same size as a standard diesel generator of the same power?

Why the fascination with reducing the size of nuclear reactors? Do you want one in your backyard?

tallowood wrote on Sep 6^th, 2026 at 9:19am:

Quote: Deployable Energy CEO Bobby Gallagher believes his company's nuclear battery microreactor would be "transformational" for the Australian economy and energy industry if it could be deployed in the country. The Australian tech energy entrepreneur, who is based in the US, says the nuclear industry in Australia is being held back by "misconceptions". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ed-fgiUlWZw

That guy is talking cock and bull.

The radioactive material inside is not benign -
if it blows up to will contaminate a whole suburb for 1000's of years.

If the truck that delivers it crashes on the way to the site
you have a major nuclear incident.

If terrorists steal it they can make a dirty bomb.

freediver wrote on Sep 6^th, 2026 at 1:48pm:

Baronvonrort wrote on Sep 6th, 2026 at 12:01am: Quote: Australian engineer Bobby Gallagher built a truck-sized 1 MW nuclear microreactor the Unity Nuclear Battery that can run for years without refuelling. It is illegal to build or operate here because of Australia’s ban on nuclear power. The US is now commercialising it. We banned the technology and exported the talent. Lift the ban. Let small modular reactors compete. Cheap, reliable, zero-emissions power should not be off-limits because of ideology. Chris Bowen and Anthony Albanese: this is a policy failure, not a secret. Australians pay the price because of your corruption! https://x.com/KatyKray73/status/2096101940371571052 [quote] The Courier-Mail @couriermail A Queensland engineer’s truck-sized nuclear microreactor has won Donald Trump’s praise and billions in orders overseas — but here in Australia, it’s banned. https://x.com/couriermail/status/2095300747210662127 Labor and the Greens claim we don't have the talent to make nuclear power. We have the talent they live overseas because we have banned nuclear power. This micro reactor could have given us cheaper power and export $$$$$.

So they can get it down to the same size as a standard diesel generator of the same power?

Why the fascination with reducing the size of nuclear reactors? Do you want one in your backyard?[/quote]

1MW diesel generator would be size of 20ft shipping container it's not something that fits on a ute more like a semi trailer.

https://www.larsonelectronics.com/product/148722/1-megawatt-container-trailer-mount-diesel-generator-480v-3ph-1-250-gal-fuel-capacity

That diesel burns 200 L/hr at 75% with diesel at $2.50 L it's $500 hr to run for fuel.
At 100% load burns 272 L/hr about $680 per hour to run.

Commercial shipping is something this small reactor could power to get rid of filthy diesel and propane tanks for cooking.
5 years without refuelling looks good.
2 or more for bigger boats.

How much diesel would you burn running that generator for 5 years?

How much would it cost to safely run a nuclear powered boat?

You aren't exactly the first to think of it. The Navy runs plenty of them.

freediver wrote on Sep 8^th, 2026 at 7:29am:

How much would it cost to safely run a nuclear powered boat? You aren't exactly the first to think of it. The Navy runs plenty of them.

Can't think of any civilian boats running on nuclear so yes military have been doing it for a long time.

Russian Sub Kursk blew itself up yet no danger from nuclear reactor onboard.

When it comes in Lloyds, Veritas and American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and ISO standards will have their say in safety aspects with design.

Since this 1MW reactor fits on a ute we can say it probably weighs less than 1 ton which is common payload.

This also makes it viable for business electric planes carrying up to 10 passengers maybe they can carry more because fuel load doesn't exist to impact maximum take off weight.With full fuel sometimes they have to limit passenger weight.
This isn't viable with batteries due to weight and limited range.
Be able to travel around the world non stop no refuelling for 5 years.

I can see multiple uses for that 1MW reactor.

Blackout Bowen proposed offshore wind for NSW.

Quote:

The UK's flagship floating wind project off the coast of Cornwall has collapsed, with developer Hexicon selling the site this week for just £1. The failure highlights the risks and frailties of experimental renewables technology. It also exposes the limits of efforts to make renewable energy economically bulletproof. The TwinHub project made history in 2022 by winning the UK's first 'Contract for Difference' for a floating wind scheme, securing a 15-year guaranteed price deal from the government at £87.30 per MWh. The 32MW scheme in the Celtic Sea was designed around Hexicon's multi-turbine, semi-submersible foundation concept. The Celtic Sea lies off the southern coast of Ireland, touching parts of Wales, Cornwall, Devon, and Brittany. The project relied on a strategic partnership formed in March 2021 between American engineering firm Bechtel and Swedish floating wind developer Hexicon. However, soaring inflation, supply chain bottlenecks, and severe cost overruns scuppered the project, leading to the cancellation of its state-backed power contract. Hexicon then divested its entire 100% stake in the project company—including all assets and liabilities—for just £1. https://x.com/PeterDClack/status/2085289910421037220

Why is this more than 8 times over original budget?

Incredible set of numbers here. $675 million to $5.5 BILLION
And now add another $1.58 billion in transmission works has been identified

Australians were promised that this transition would deliver cheaper power. The infrastructure bill alone is becoming extraordinary.

I believe there is also a fair bit of spend in road infrastructure as well
Roads curves, corners are not designed to take the 60m plus wind turbine blades.

---

The EGP-6 (Power heterogeneous loop reactor with 6 coolant circulation loops') is a Russian small nuclear reactor design. It is the world's smallest running commercial nuclear reactor, however smaller reactors are currently in development. The EGP-6 reactors are the only reactors to be built on permafrost.

There were only four EGP-6 reactors built which formed the Bilibino Nuclear Power Plant, commissioned in 1974–1977, with a reactor becoming operational each year. The reactors were responsible for supplying Bilibino with utilities such as electricity, heated water, and steam. The population of Bilibino currently sits at around 5,000. Each EGP-6 reactor at Bilibino produces 62 MW thermal power, generating 12 MW electrical power.
As of 2020, the power plant is ready for decommissioning and awaits to be replaced by the "Akademik Lomonosov" floating nuclear power plant, which started regular operation in May 2020.

Baronvonrort wrote on Sep 8^th, 2026 at 10:38pm:

freediver wrote on Sep 8th, 2026 at 7:29am: How much would it cost to safely run a nuclear powered boat? You aren't exactly the first to think of it. The Navy runs plenty of them. Can't think of any civilian boats running on nuclear so yes military have been doing it for a long time. Russian Sub Kursk blew itself up yet no danger from nuclear reactor onboard. When it comes in Lloyds, Veritas and American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and ISO standards will have their say in safety aspects with design. Since this 1MW reactor fits on a ute we can say it probably weighs less than 1 ton which is common payload. This also makes it viable for business electric planes carrying up to 10 passengers maybe they can carry more because fuel load doesn't exist to impact maximum take off weight.With full fuel sometimes they have to limit passenger weight. This isn't viable with batteries due to weight and limited range. Be able to travel around the world non stop no refuelling for 5 years. I can see multiple uses for that 1MW reactor. Blackout Bowen proposed offshore wind for NSW. Quote: The UK's flagship floating wind project off the coast of Cornwall has collapsed, with developer Hexicon selling the site this week for just £1. The failure highlights the risks and frailties of experimental renewables technology. It also exposes the limits of efforts to make renewable energy economically bulletproof. The TwinHub project made history in 2022 by winning the UK's first 'Contract for Difference' for a floating wind scheme, securing a 15-year guaranteed price deal from the government at £87.30 per MWh. The 32MW scheme in the Celtic Sea was designed around Hexicon's multi-turbine, semi-submersible foundation concept. The Celtic Sea lies off the southern coast of Ireland, touching parts of Wales, Cornwall, Devon, and Brittany. The project relied on a strategic partnership formed in March 2021 between American engineering firm Bechtel and Swedish floating wind developer Hexicon. However, soaring inflation, supply chain bottlenecks, and severe cost overruns scuppered the project, leading to the cancellation of its state-backed power contract. Hexicon then divested its entire 100% stake in the project company—including all assets and liabilities—for just £1. https://x.com/PeterDClack/status/2085289910421037220

You are obsessing about the size. But no-one ever complains about nuclear reactors being too big. Or if they do, it is a long way down the list. Also not sure why you think you are special in being able to think of a use for a power generator.

How much would it cost to safely run a nuclear powered boat? For someone so critical of the cost effectiveness of other technologies, you are remarkably disinterested in this most fundamental question.

I could make a mini coal fired power station that fits on the back of a ute and generates plenty of power. But I wouldn't want to go anywhere near it.

Jasin wrote on Sep 6^th, 2026 at 11:41am:

Dnarever wrote on Sep 6th, 2026 at 11:06am: Quote: Aussie makes truck size 1MW nuclear reactor I can imagine a Australian style Homer Simpson driving around your suburb with one of these things on the back of his truck. She'll be right mate would be the slogan. The project to be re branded as the glow in the dark project when it goes wrong. Doesn't sound like such a great idea. Asimov wrote about such things powered by Atomics in wristwatches to vehicles, long ago. Him and Clarke have pretty much predicted a lot before their time.

Including having sexual relationships with robots, rumour has it that the most expensive of the humanoids already have this luxury provision.

As an aside, Asimov wrote an article on the Atom bomb in 1944, Government investigators were promptly on his doorstep.
When asked where he got his information he pointed out to them a logical progression of ideas and discoveries that led to his conclusion.
He then asked how far the Government had got with building a bomb.
Denial of any bomb.
Asimov then asked ‘’. . . then why the questioning?’’

freediver wrote on Sep 10^th, 2026 at 11:25am:

Baronvonrort wrote on Sep 8th, 2026 at 10:38pm: freediver wrote on Sep 8th, 2026 at 7:29am: How much would it cost to safely run a nuclear powered boat? You aren't exactly the first to think of it. The Navy runs plenty of them. Can't think of any civilian boats running on nuclear so yes military have been doing it for a long time. Russian Sub Kursk blew itself up yet no danger from nuclear reactor onboard. When it comes in Lloyds, Veritas and American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and ISO standards will have their say in safety aspects with design. Since this 1MW reactor fits on a ute we can say it probably weighs less than 1 ton which is common payload. This also makes it viable for business electric planes carrying up to 10 passengers maybe they can carry more because fuel load doesn't exist to impact maximum take off weight.With full fuel sometimes they have to limit passenger weight. This isn't viable with batteries due to weight and limited range. Be able to travel around the world non stop no refuelling for 5 years. I can see multiple uses for that 1MW reactor. Blackout Bowen proposed offshore wind for NSW. Quote: The UK's flagship floating wind project off the coast of Cornwall has collapsed, with developer Hexicon selling the site this week for just £1. The failure highlights the risks and frailties of experimental renewables technology. It also exposes the limits of efforts to make renewable energy economically bulletproof. The TwinHub project made history in 2022 by winning the UK's first 'Contract for Difference' for a floating wind scheme, securing a 15-year guaranteed price deal from the government at £87.30 per MWh. The 32MW scheme in the Celtic Sea was designed around Hexicon's multi-turbine, semi-submersible foundation concept. The Celtic Sea lies off the southern coast of Ireland, touching parts of Wales, Cornwall, Devon, and Brittany. The project relied on a strategic partnership formed in March 2021 between American engineering firm Bechtel and Swedish floating wind developer Hexicon. However, soaring inflation, supply chain bottlenecks, and severe cost overruns scuppered the project, leading to the cancellation of its state-backed power contract. Hexicon then divested its entire 100% stake in the project company—including all assets and liabilities—for just £1. https://x.com/PeterDClack/status/2085289910421037220 You are obsessing about the size. But no-one ever complains about nuclear reactors being too big. Or if they do, it is a long way down the list. Also not sure why you think you are special in being able to think of a use for a power generator. How much would it cost to safely run a nuclear powered boat? For someone so critical of the cost effectiveness of other technologies, you are remarkably disinterested in this most fundamental question. I could make a mini coal fired power station that fits on the back of a ute and generates plenty of power. But I wouldn't want to go anywhere near it.

Why would you not want to go near it?

We have a mini wood fired power station in the kitchen, heats the hot water system, boils water, cooks food and can also burn coal [but wood is cheaper].
Also, once the fire is going, can burn sump oil via a drip feed but only for emergency use so far [a few technical problems].

Quote:

Why would you not want to go near it?

It's basically a bomb. Entire city blocks have been levelled by exploding boilers.

freediver wrote on Oct 28^th, 2026 at 12:21pm:

Quote: Why would you not want to go near it? It's basically a bomb. Entire city blocks have been levelled by exploding boilers.

The ones that I go near have safety valves;
my eldest son has a steam traction engine and a portable steam engine that we use on his property.
I also attend various Steamfests.

Quote:

The ones that I go near have safety valves

They also are probably not nuclear powered, and sitting in someone's backyard.

Remind me again why you think it is important to have your nuclear reactor small enough to fit on a truck?

freediver wrote on Oct 29^th, 2026 at 9:53am:

Quote: The ones that I go near have safety valves They also are probably not nuclear powered, and sitting in someone's backyard. Remind me again why you think it is important to have your nuclear reactor small enough to fit on a truck?

You are trying to move the goal posts again, you were talking about a coal fired model.

‘’ I could make a mini coal fired power station that fits on the back of a ute and generates plenty of power. But I wouldn't want to go anywhere near it.’’

Make up your teeny mind.

Sir Eoin O Fada wrote on Oct 29^th, 2026 at 6:47pm:

freediver wrote on Oct 29th, 2026 at 9:53am: Quote: The ones that I go near have safety valves They also are probably not nuclear powered, and sitting in someone's backyard. Remind me again why you think it is important to have your nuclear reactor small enough to fit on a truck? You are trying to move the goal posts again, you were talking about a coal fired model. ‘’ I could make a mini coal fired power station that fits on the back of a ute and generates plenty of power. But I wouldn't want to go anywhere near it.’’ Make up your teeny mind.

It's in the thread title. Apologies for trying to keep it relevant.

Do you think it is important to be able to fit your nuclear reactor on the back of a truck?

And does it have a USB port?

freediver wrote on Oct 29^th, 2026 at 6:54pm:

Sir Eoin O Fada wrote on Oct 29th, 2026 at 6:47pm: freediver wrote on Oct 29th, 2026 at 9:53am: Quote: The ones that I go near have safety valves They also are probably not nuclear powered, and sitting in someone's backyard. Remind me again why you think it is important to have your nuclear reactor small enough to fit on a truck? You are trying to move the goal posts again, you were talking about a coal fired model. ‘’ I could make a mini coal fired power station that fits on the back of a ute and generates plenty of power. But I wouldn't want to go anywhere near it.’’ Make up your teeny mind. It's in the thread title. Apologies for trying to keep it relevant. Do you think it is important to be able to fit your nuclear reactor on the back of a truck? And does it have a USB port?

And your statement:

‘’ I could make a mini coal fired power station that fits on the back of a ute and generates plenty of power. But I wouldn't want to go anywhere near’’
is relevant?

Sir Eoin O Fada wrote on Oct 29^th, 2026 at 8:24pm:

freediver wrote on Oct 29th, 2026 at 6:54pm: Sir Eoin O Fada wrote on Oct 29th, 2026 at 6:47pm: freediver wrote on Oct 29th, 2026 at 9:53am: Quote: The ones that I go near have safety valves They also are probably not nuclear powered, and sitting in someone's backyard. Remind me again why you think it is important to have your nuclear reactor small enough to fit on a truck? You are trying to move the goal posts again, you were talking about a coal fired model. ‘’ I could make a mini coal fired power station that fits on the back of a ute and generates plenty of power. But I wouldn't want to go anywhere near it.’’ Make up your teeny mind. It's in the thread title. Apologies for trying to keep it relevant. Do you think it is important to be able to fit your nuclear reactor on the back of a truck? And does it have a USB port? And your statement: ‘’ I could make a mini coal fired power station that fits on the back of a ute and generates plenty of power. But I wouldn't want to go anywhere near’’ is relevant?

Yes. I am pointing out that fitting this thing on the back of a truck is neither special nor useful.

Sorry I did not think I would have to explain that to anyone.

Do you think it is important to have your nuclear reactor small enough to fit on a truck?

freediver wrote on Oct 29^th, 2026 at 8:28pm:

Sir Eoin O Fada wrote on Oct 29th, 2026 at 8:24pm: freediver wrote on Oct 29th, 2026 at 6:54pm: Sir Eoin O Fada wrote on Oct 29th, 2026 at 6:47pm: freediver wrote on Oct 29th, 2026 at 9:53am: Quote: The ones that I go near have safety valves They also are probably not nuclear powered, and sitting in someone's backyard. Remind me again why you think it is important to have your nuclear reactor small enough to fit on a truck? You are trying to move the goal posts again, you were talking about a coal fired model. ‘’ I could make a mini coal fired power station that fits on the back of a ute and generates plenty of power. But I wouldn't want to go anywhere near it.’’ Make up your teeny mind. It's in the thread title. Apologies for trying to keep it relevant. Do you think it is important to be able to fit your nuclear reactor on the back of a truck? And does it have a USB port? And your statement: ‘’ I could make a mini coal fired power station that fits on the back of a ute and generates plenty of power. But I wouldn't want to go anywhere near’’ is relevant? Yes. I am pointing out that fitting this thing on the back of a truck is neither special nor useful. Sorry I did not think I would have to explain that to anyone. Do you think it is important to have your nuclear reactor small enough to fit on a truck?

Couldn’t care less, I just wondered why you said that you wouldn’t go near a coal fired one.