To understand what stopped fourth-generation nuclear reactors requires looking at the history of what has stopped nuclear power from being developed as it was envisioned under the Atoms for Peace program of the 1950s and 1960s.
21st Century Science & Technology has written a lot about this basic shift from a pro-progress optimistic science outlook to the present one of pessimism and anti-humanism. The key here is that the oligarchic faction--like Zeus, who punished Prometheus for bringing man fire--wants to prevent humankind from having nuclear power, or any other advanced capability for progress.
As for the increased efficiency (50 percent more efficient than conventional reactors) of the gas-cooled high-temperature reactors: They have direct conversion gas turbines, which eliminate the steam cycle, and also some other advances in equipment.
Here are links to some articles:
Who Killed U.S. Nuclear Power?
by Marsha Freeman
Who Killed U.S. Nuclear Power?
It's time for Next Generation Nuclear Plants
by Marsha Freeman
http://www.21stcenturysciencetech.co...ne/NextGen.pdf
Fourth-Generation Reactors Are
Key to World’s Nuclear Future
http://www.21stcenturysciencetech.co...GenNuclear.pdf
Albert Wohlstetter's Legacy: The Neo-Cons, Not Carter,
Killed Nuclear Energy
http://www.21stcenturysciencetech.co...ial_Report.pdf
If you can't access all the files, let me know and I'll send a pdf, which I can't do in a comment.
Sincerely,
Marje Hecht
Marjorie Mazel Hecht
Managing Editor
21st Century Science & Technology
P.O. Box 16285
Washington, D.C. 20041
Tel. 703-777-6943
Fax 703-771-9214
21st Century Science and Technology Home Page
editorial@21stcenturysciencetech.com