14 DAY TRIAL // Bill Gates has recently announced he plans to develop a new nuclear reactor, powered by depleted uranium. In order to achieve this goal, he is counting on China's support. In his opinion, this strategy represents a cost-effective method of producing energy while complying with high safety standards.
So far, the Microsoft co-founder has invested a significant amount of money in TerraPower, a state-based company from Washington, aiming to launch, operate and maintain a Generation IV nuclear reactor using depleted uranium, the Guardian reports.
Not only is it supposed to be safe and efficient, it should also generate a lot less waste than other similar alternatives.
In this phase of the project, Gates is currently discussing the option with representatives from the state-owned China National Nuclear Corporation.
According to Sun Qin, the general manager of this powerful enterprise, Gates wants to count on its help for the research and development of the new reactor, a stage that would require approximately 1 billion dollars (€747.7 million) within the next five years.
Even though this project has just been announced, Gates has put a lot of hope in its success and has revealed he is currently having “good discussions” with CNNC officials.
The best part is that the new strategy aims to involve much less nuclear than any other plan of this kind. Moreover, it can simulate earthquake and tidal wave conditions, considerably raising the safety standards.
Human factor is not a key element in this puzzle, as Gates notes that the reactor would “require no human action to remain safe at all times."
His recent visit at the Ministry of Science and Technology was meant to favor a future partnership between China and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, aiming to back innovative projects which could improve the lives of financially-challenged individuals.
After he has left the company that made him famous, Microsoft, Bill Gates has focused all his attention on charitable actions and efficient ways of fighting poverty and social inequity. Until now the financial benefits of this project have not been revealed, but he said he would continue to try to change the "lives of poor people."