Hyman Rickover's Role in Establishing America's First Nuclear Power Plant
Hyman Rickover greatly influenced the development of nuclear energy in the U.S., culminating in the Shippingport reactor, the first large-scale civilian nuclear power plant. Initiated in response to post-WWII energy needs, the project began with industry proposals in 1950, leading to the Atomic Energy Commission's decision in 1953 to build a demonstration plant. Shippingport achieved criticality on December 2, 1957, and began generating electricity soon after, marking a significant milestone in American nuclear energy.
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Hyman Rickover played a pivotal role in establishing America's first large-scale civilian nuclear power plant, the Shippingport reactor, following World War II. The Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) initiated the project after industry proposals in 1950, culminating in a decision to build a demonstration plant in 1953.
Shippingport went critical on December 2, 1957, and began generating electricity shortly thereafter. Initially budgeted at $47.7 million, the project cost $84 million and aimed to address energy demands while showcasing nuclear power's potential for peaceful applications. The reactor operated until 1989, contributing to the evolution of U.S. nuclear energy.
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