Taylor Wilson was 14 when he built a nuclear fusion reactor in his parents' garage. Now 19, he returns to the TED stage to present a new take on an old topic: fission. Wilson, who has won backing to create a company to realize his vision, explains why he's so excited about his innovative design for small modular fission reactors -- and why it could be the next big step in solving the global energy crisis.

My radical plan for small nuclear fission reactors

A new generation of small, factory-built nuclear fission reactors promises efficient, affordable, and safe electricity for up to 100,000 homes at a time. These compact reactors can run for 30 years without refueling and can burn repurposed nuclear weapons material, tackling both energy and security challenges. By operating at higher temperatures and using molten salt, they achieve almost 50 percent efficiency and greatly reduce meltdown risk. Their portability opens new possibilities for powering remote communities and even future space missions.

Small Nuclear Reactors Could Revolutionize Clean Energy and Security

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TED Stage Talk

Taylor Wilson: My radical plan for small nuclear fission reactors