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A fifty year old nuclear generator technology may become the wave of the future in Panama and throughout the world. Hyperion Technology of New Mexico, USA has licensed nuclear reactor technology from the United States research labs at Los Alamos, New Mexico for building small nuclear reactors capable of generating electricity for up to 20,000 homes. The uranium used in these reactors is not weapons grade and the reactor is encased in cement and buried in the ground.

The Hyperion Mini Nuclear Reactor and Panama

According to press reports developers in Panama as well as other countries throughout the world are interested in using one of Hyperion’s mini nuclear reactors to generate green house gas free electricity. Panama is already making investments in hydroelectric and wind power in an effort to reduce its dependence of oil imports. Although the much talked about oil refinery at Puerto Armuellas is still a possibility the oil would still be imported and the refined gas, diesel fuel, and kerosene would be sold throughout Latin America and the Western United States.

According to the Hyperion web site the encased reactors are delivered from the plant, have no moving parts, and are buried on site. The reactors are, “[s]mall enough to be transported on a ship, truck or train, [and] about the size of a hot tub — approximately 1.5 meters wide.” The reactors can be, “guarded by a security detail.”

Hyperion goes on to state that, “Like a power battery, Hyperion modules have no moving parts to wear down, and are delivered factory sealed. They are never opened on site. Even if one were compromised, the material inside would not be appropriate for proliferation purposes. Further, due to the unique, yet proven science upon which this new technology is based, it is impossible for the module to go supercritical, “melt down” or create any type of emergency situation. If opened, the very small amount of fuel that is enclosed would immediately cool. The waste produced after five years of operation is approximately the size of a softball and is a good candidate for fuel recycling.”

So, despite the current global financial melt down, recessions end and the world economy will be humming again soon. As China and India ramp up industrial production again they will compete with Europe, the USA, Japan, and others for dwindling oil reserves. Non oil producing countries like Panama are already feeling the inflationary pinch of high energy prices and, excepting business cycles, it will only get worse. Panama is likely to continue its investments in fossil fuel free solutions to its electric needs.

Panama is likely to weather the current economic storm pretty well and will continue to invest in hydroelectric projects and wind farms. Panama is investing in cheap new technology with projects such as passing out free low energy consuming electric bulbs. Panama will likely look seriously at producing electric power from a series of mini nuclear reactors generating green house gas free electricity.

Panama has a lot of untouched natural beauty. Every wind farm and hydroelectric project ends up cutting down trees, flooding out indigenous peoples, and upsetting the balance of nature. Panama has been pretty savvy with its infrastructure improvements such as the Panama Canal Expansion, port improvements and the new highway connecting Panama City to Colon. Don’t be surprised to see Panama eventually generating part of its electricity with mini nuclear generators.

If you are interested in investing in Panama come to see us at ABPanama. We do not install nuclear reactors but we have over 23 years experience managing real estate portfolios and can help you invest in a residence or commercial real estate in this forward thinking country.