Over in alt.planning.urban there have been discussion about better gas
> mileage, alternative energy, etc, etc. where the bicyclists basically
> thing everyone else uses way too much energy.
>
> Meanwhile, Don over in alt.architecture has been wanting to go off the
> grid for quite a while.
>
> I have found the solution. It's one of those things that Don will
> mortgage his house for, the bikers will sell their bikes to protest,
> George will say it's impossible, and Amy will object to it on general
> principals (so basically it's the perfect n.g. topic). So without
> further ado, here it is:
>
> =================
>
>
formatting link
> =================
>
> Toshiba Builds 100x Smaller Micro Nuclear Reactor
> Toshiba has developed a new class of micro size Nuclear Reactors that
> is designed to power individual apartment buildings or city blocks.
> The new reactor, which is only 20 feet by 6 feet, could change
> everything for small remote communities, small businesses or even a
> group of neighbors who are fed up with the power companies and want
> more control over their energy needs.
>
> The 200 kilowatt Toshiba designed reactor is engineered to be fail-
> safe and totally automatic and will not overheat. Unlike traditional
> nuclear reactors the new micro reactor uses no control rods to
> initiate the reaction. The new revolutionary technology uses
> reservoirs of liquid lithium-6, an isotope that is effective at
> absorbing neutrons. The Lithium-6 reservoirs are connected to a
> vertical tube that fits into the reactor core. The whole whole process
> is self sustaining and can last for up to 40 years, producing
> electricity for only 5 cents per kilowatt hour, about half the cost of > grid energy.
>
> Toshiba expects to install the first reactor in Japan in 2008 and to
> begin marketing the new system in Europe and America in 2009
>
> ==========================
>
> Merry Christmas to all.
That reactor will make many people nervous. Imagine a drunk party weekend with a reactor in the basement.