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A different kind of nuclear reactor could bring power and jobs to Utah's Emery County

A molten salt nuclear reactor research lab is seen at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. A similar but larger version is planned for the San Rafael Research Center in Emery County, Utah.
Michael Stoddard, BYU
A molten salt nuclear reactor research lab is seen at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. A similar but larger version is planned for the San Rafael Research Center in Emery County, Utah.

Coal-producing Emery County is one of the only regions in Utah to have seen a drop in population in the last decade. Those that remain have lost good paying jobs as the state transitions away from coal.

A new research facility wants to bring back revenue and jobs by experimenting with a number of new technologies.

KZMU Radio in Moab looks at one of those projects, a type of nuclear reactor some think could be the future of power.

A furnace with molten salt is seen in Dr. Matthew Memmot's lab at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.
Michael Stoddard, BYU
A furnace with molten salt is seen in Dr. Matthew Memmot's lab at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.

This story is part of a collaboration between stations of the Rocky Mountain Community Radio coalition. Reports will highlight the transition from fossil fuels across the Mountain West. Listen in the coming months for more stories from our partner stations, including KSUT.

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