"Other pyrolysis companies exist but most create products like soot or carbon black that can’t be used in battery production. Those companies also often rely on microwave or plasma-based heating, techniques that can be very energy-intensive. By contrast, Molten’s reactor is like a toaster: It uses resistive heating, which is more efficient, according to co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Kevin Bush."

"Weng says the most prominent method of monitoring has been the use of infrared cameras operated by technicians on the ground or from the air. But that is time-consuming, labor-intensive and inefficient. Because there are so many production sites, there is no way to monitor all of them in a timely way. Major leaks can continue for days, weeks or months without detection."

"The new facility will store excess electrical energy during production and distribute it to customers when needed. The project will reduce strain on the grid and regulate power generation in sync with fluctuating demand, the company said."

"TerraPower’s design has another unique feature. Most reactors can’t easily adjust their power output, making it hard to mesh with fluctuating wind and solar farms. TerraPower’s reactor will have a molten salt battery that allows the plant to ramp up or down as needed."

"Porter said the insurance industry is hurting in part because of inflation's impacts to construction costs. With climate change altering the frequency and severity of extreme precipitation that leads to flooding, inflation can make repairs more costly."

"Commodities such as cobalt and nickel are regularly scrutinized for the ways they are mined. Most of the world’s cobalt is found in Congo, where an estimated 10% comes from 'artisanal' sources, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The artisanal sector, often described as barefoot miners, is made up of some of the world’s poorest workers, with reports of children being regularly used to mine battery metals."