Plasma Power is a next-generation form of nuclear electric power that uses a nuclear fission reaction in an electrically-charged core to produce an electric current. This method of generation is significantly more efficient than the traditional nuclear power plants, which use fission reactions to heat water for steam-driven turbine generators. While the old designs achieved total efficiencies of at most 45%, electronuclear plants are able to harvest up to 86% of the potential energy in fissile material for the direct generation of electricity.
The concept was first proposed in the 220s by Antian physicist Kent Olesen, who experimented with the use of beta particles in a charged atmosphere to produce plasma. The plans were sold to NewEarth Engineering in 251 and development began, resulting in the first demonstration of a plasma power reactor in 263.
The invention revolutionized electricity generation, resulting in large-scale investments by the Aetherian government to replace conventional nuclear power plants with plasma power beginning in the late 280s. By 330, almost all nuclear generation in Aetheria used the technology.
The widespread adoption of plasma power led to the Aetherian Electrical System's transition to a DC-based grid starting in 305 and largely finishing by the end of the 330s.
Plasma power is up to three times more energy efficient than traditional nuclear generation. The process involves a more-complete fission reaction, leaving behind significantly more stable waste products with much shorter half-lives. Some specialized plants known as Waste Plasma or W-Plasma plants, are able to use radioactive materials left behind as waste by traditional nuclear plants as fuel for a second time. Although these plants can only achieve efficiency up to 33%, they serve a key role of reducing leftover nuclear waste from the Old Era.
Because the electronuclear fission reaction produces direct current (DC) electricity, its output must be run through very large inverters to convert to the three-phase alternating current (AC) needed by electric grids. The equipment to do this at grid scale is very expensive and results in a loss of efficiency, but still leaves the technology far more efficient than early nuclear power. Countries can overcome this expense by using DC power transmission.
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