How BORAX proved nuclear power could run a town

The first nuclear electricity in history (1951)

Argonne National Laboratory operated the Experimental Breeder Reactor to generate electric power. The system drove a generator that produced enough electricity to power the entire facility.

The First Nuclear Electricity in History

Simplifying nuclear power: boiling water in the core

Dr. Walter Zinn and researchers at Argonne simplified reactor architecture by boiling water directly inside the core. This breakthrough removed cumbersome heat exchangers and simplified steam power production.

How Boiling Water Reactors Changed Nuclear Power

Built-in safety: reactors that regulate themselves

Tests in 1953 revealed that steam voids naturally displace water moderator from the core. As water leaves, the nuclear chain reaction drops automatically, creating built-in passive safety.

The Self-Regulating Nuclear Reactor Safety Test

Loading uranium fuel plates into the core in 1955

Technicians insert safety control rods and guide uranium alloy fuel elements into the reactor grid. Once loaded, the heavy pressure cap is bolted down to seal the vessel.

Manually Loading Uranium Plates into a Reactor Core

Watch BORAX reach criticality and generate steam power

BORAX reactor operators pull control rods and watch dials jump as core water hits 418 degrees Fahrenheit. The steam drives a turbo-generator outputting 2,000 kilowatts.

Going Critical: Testing the BORAX Reactor at Full Power

July 17, 1955: First city lit by nuclear power

On July 17, 1955, technicians in Arco, Idaho switched off conventional power lines and powered all municipal homes and stores with nuclear energy from the BORAX reactor.

The First Town Powered Completely by Nuclear Energy

[01:23] The First Nuclear Electricity in History
[02:18] How Boiling Water Reactors Changed Nuclear Power
[03:12] The Self-Regulating Nuclear Reactor Safety Test
[07:56] Manually Loading Uranium Plates into a Reactor Core
[09:42] Going Critical: Testing the BORAX Reactor at Full Power
[12:47] The First Town Powered Completely by Nuclear Energy

How BORAX proved nuclear power could run a town

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