HTGR
High-Temperature Gas-cooled Reactor
High-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) uses helium coolant, graphite moderator, and TRISO-coated fuel particles for high efficiency.
Core temperatures reach 750-950°C, enabling hydrogen production or process heat. Designs like prismatic HTR-PM (210 MWe) in China use 17% enriched LEU. Inherent safety from negative temperature coefficients.
Why it matters now
HTGR demos like China's HTR-PM operational in 2025 support cogeneration for data centers; US NGNP revival eyes 2026 funding amid decarbonization.