Nuclear Reactors for Home Use: A Practical Future or Science Fiction?

As concerns over energy sustainability grow in the face of an aging grid, homeowners are increasingly exploring alternative sources of power. One potential source that is gaining traction is the use of small modular reactors (SMRs) – nuclear reactors adapted for home use. A notable development came in the late 2000s with Toshiba’s introduction of their 4S SMR, designed for easy operation, compact size, and robust safety features.

The core question to explore is: could nuclear reactors for home use become a commonplace solution for residential power needs in the future?

This episode of “Smart Home on the Range,” hosted by Tod Caflisch, delves into the topic with a deep dive into the history, evolution, and current state of SMRs for home use.

Tod also discusses…

  • The development and features of Toshiba’s 4S SMR.
  • The resurgence in SMR technology, with new designs from companies like New Scale Power, Rolls-Royce, and General Electric.
  • The potential for a decentralized and resilient energy grid through shared SMR-generated power.

Tod Caflisch embarked on his smart home journey about seven years ago. With his wife Debbie, they continue to research and implement various smart home technologies, keeping a keen eye on emerging trends and possibilities.

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Image

Latest

private credit
Alts Innovators: AllianceBernstein’s Brent Humphries and Marc Cooper on Private Credit
November 17, 2025

Private credit has become one of the most significant shifts in modern finance—quietly but rapidly reshaping how private companies access capital. Over the last decade, assets under management in the space have surged from roughly $500 billion to about $2 trillion, fueled by post-crisis regulation, a growing appetite for yield, and the rise of…

Read More
micro internships
The Job Dating Model: How Micro Internships Build Talent, Enable Smarter Hiring, and Boost Campus Impact
November 17, 2025

Experiential learning is surging in relevance. Employers are finding it harder than ever to evaluate early-career talent, while students are graduating into a labor market where more than half—about 52%—end up in roles that don’t require their degree. That disconnect is prompting colleges to reimagine how they equip students for meaningful career entry. Meanwhile,…

Read More
Bouvet
Chasing Radio’s Rarest Signal: Meet Donato IK2EGL and the Bold Expedition to Earth’s Most Isolated Outpost
November 15, 2025

Few destinations stir the imagination of radio amateurs quite like Bouvet Island—a windswept, ice-covered outpost in the South Atlantic Ocean and one of the most remote places on Earth. Reaching it demands months of planning, rugged endurance, and a willingness to face conditions that few humans ever experience. For the dedicated team behind this expedition,…

Read More
Baker Tilly
Baker Tilly Bridges Cultures and Markets to Power U.S.–China Business Growth
November 14, 2025

Baker Tilly’s U.S.–based China practice supports Chinese enterprises operating in the United States as well as U.S. companies with Chinese-heritage leadership. Team members such as Beverly Bian, Terry Dickens, and Lucy Ni work with clients ranging from early-stage ventures to major multinational organizations navigating cross-border growth. The practice distinguishes itself through its bilingual capabilities…

Read More