• This startup is getting closer to bringing next-generation nuclear to the grid
    www.technologyreview.com
    This article is from The Spark, MIT Technology Reviews weekly climate newsletter. To receive it in your inbox every Wednesday, sign up here.This is a busy time of year for all of us, and thats certainly true in the advanced nuclear industry.MIT Technology Review released our list of 15 Climate Tech Companies to Watch less than two months ago. Since then, awardee Kairos Power has had three big announcements about its progress toward building next-generation nuclear reactors.Each of these bits of news represents an interesting aspect of the process. So lets dig into the announcements and what they mean for where nuclear technology is going.First, a quick refresher on Kairos Power: While nuclear plants today overwhelmingly use pressurized water to keep reactors cool, Kairos is using molten salt. The idea is that these reactors (which are also smaller than those typically built today) will help generate electricity in a way thats safer and more efficient than conventional nuclear power.When it comes to strategy, Kairos is taking small steps toward the ultimate goal of full-size power plants. Construction began earlier this year on Hermes, the companys first nuclear test reactor. That facility will generate a small amount of heatabout 35 megawatts worthto demonstrate the technology.Last week, the company announced it received a construction permit for the next iteration of its system, Hermes 2. This plant will share a location with Hermes, and it will include the infrastructure to transform heat to electricity. That makes it the first electricity-producing next-generation nuclear plant to get this approval in the US.While this news wasnt a huge surprise (the company has been working with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for years), any day that youre getting a permit or a license from the NRC is an unusual and special day, Kairos CEO Mike Laufer told me in an interview.The company is developing a plan to work on construction for both Hermes and Hermes 2 at the same time, he added. When I asked if Hermes is still on track to start up in 2027 (as we reported in our profile of the company in October), Laufer said thats an aggressive timeline.While construction on test reactors is rolling, Kairos is forging ahead with commercial dealsin October, it announced an agreement with Google to build up to 500 megawatts worth of power plants by 2035. Under this agreement, Kairos will develop, construct, and operate plants and sell electricity to the tech giant.Kairos will need to build multiple reactors to deliver 500 MW. The first deployment should happen by 2030, with additional units to follow. One of the benefits of building smaller reactors is learning as you go along and making improvements that can lower costs and make construction more efficient, Laufer says.While the construction permit and Google deal are arguably the biggest recent announcements from Kairos, Im also fascinated by a more niche milestone: In early October, the company broke ground on a salt production facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico, that will make the molten salt used to cool its reactors.Salt is one of the key areas where we do have some unique and specialized needs, Laufer says. And having control over the areas of the supply chain that are specialized will be key to helping the company deliver electricity reliably and at lower cost, he adds.The companys molten salt is called Flibe, and its a specific mix of lithium fluoride and beryllium fluoride. One fun detail I learned from Laufer is that the mixture needs to be enriched in lithium-7 because that isotope absorbs fewer neutrons than lithium-6, allowing the reactor to run more efficiently. The new facility in Albuquerque will produce large quantities of high-purity Flibe enriched in lithium-7.Progress in the nuclear industry can sometimes feel slow, with milestones few and far between, so its really interesting to see Kairos taking so many small steps in quick succession toward delivering on its promise of safe, cheap nuclear power.Weve had a lot of huge accomplishments. We have a long way to go, Laufer says. This is not an easy thing to pull off. We believe we have the right approach and were doing it the right way, but it requires a lot of hard work and diligence.Now read the rest of The SparkRelated readingFor more details on Kairos and its technology, check out our profile of the company in the 15 Climate Tech Companies to Watch package from October.If youre dying for more details on molten salt, check out this story I wrote in January about a test system Kairos built to demonstrate the technology.STEPHANIE ARNETT/MIT TECHNOLOGY REVIEW | GETTY, ADOBE STOCKAnother thingDonald Trump pledged to enact tariffs on a wide range of products imported into the US. The plans could drive up the cost of batteries, EVs, and more, threatening to slow progress on climate and potentially stall the economy. Read more about the potential impacts for technology in the latest story from my colleague James Temple.Keeping up with climateThe UN climate talks wrapped up over the weekend. In the resulting agreement, rich nations will provide at least $300 billion in climate finance per year by 2035 to developing nations to help them deal with climate change. (Carbon Brief) This falls well short of the $1 trillion mark that many had hoped to reach. (MIT Technology Review)Utilities might be spending a lot of money on the wrong transmission equipment on the grid. Dollars are flowing to smaller, local projects, not the interstate projects that are crucial for getting more clean energy online. (Inside Climate News)Sustainable aviation fuel is one of the only viable options to help clean up the aviation industry in the near term. But what are these fuels, exactly? And how do they help with climate change? Its surprisingly complicated, and the details matter. (Canary Media)Automakers want Trump to keep rules in place that will push the US toward adoption of electric vehicles. Companies have already invested billions of dollars into an EV transition. (New York Times)Theres a growing chasm in American meat consumption: The number of households that avoid meat has increased slightly, but all other households have increased their meat purchases. (Vox)Trump has vowed to halt offshore wind energy, but for some projects, things take so long that a four-year term may not even touch them. (Grist)
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  • Black Friday Sales 2024: Available on or until the 29th of November
    inspirationtuts.com
    As the holiday season approaches, its the perfect time to upgrade your creative toolkit without stretching your budget. Whether youre diving into 3D modeling, refining your animations, or exploring digital painting, theres something for everyone in this years Pre-Black Friday sales. From powerful tools like Cinema 4D plugins and Blender add-ons to versatile software like Clip Studio Paint and Cascadeur, these deals are tailored for designers, artists, and game developers eager to elevate their projects.In this guide, weve organized the best discounts under the top categories3D Design Tools, 2D Design Tools, and Rendering & Visualizationwith direct links to the offers. Dont miss these limited-time deals!Pre-Black Friday sales: Available earlier in November3D Design Tools3dtools.infoWhat: Packs of PBR materials and Cinema 4D pluginsDiscount: Up to 50%BproductionWhat: Population 2 (crowd animation add-on for Blender)Discount: 30% (use code NEWCROWD)Daz 3DWhat: Selected products (3D characters and assets for DAZ Studio)Discount: Varies, with daily dealsFlippedNormalsWhat: 3D models, materials, and brushesDiscount: Up to 50%FoundryWhat: Mari Individual subscriptions (monthly or annual)Discount: 50% (new subscribers only)LotPixelWhat: Access to 3D models and textures (subscriptions and credit packs)Discount: Up to 29% (subscriptions), 32% (credit packs)NekkiWhat: Cascadeur (Indie and Pro subscriptions)Discount: 25% (Pro, use code PRO25), 30% (Indie, use code Indie30)VinziWhat: Atlux (visualization plugin for Unreal Engine)Discount: 20% (perpetual licenses), 50% (first month of subscriptions)2D Design ToolsCelsysWhat: Clip Studio Paint (Pro and Ex editions)Discount: 40% (Ex), 60% (Pro)ExpresiiWhat: Expresii (digital painting software)Discount: 25% (use code IEBD0YY)Paintstorm StudioWhat: Paintstorm StudioDiscount: 50%Rendering & VisualizationRebusFarmWhat: Online rendering servicesDiscount: 50% (get the same number of render credits purchased for free)Black Friday sales: Available on or until 29 November3D Design Tools3D Scan StoreWhat: 3D scans of heads and entire peopleDiscount: 55%CGTraderWhat: Selected 3D modelsDiscount: Varies, up to 50%GameDev MarketWhat: Game assets, including 3D modelsDiscount: Up to 60%KitBash3DWhat: Cargo subscriptions (access to kitbash asset kits)Discount: 50%Nouvelle Mesure LabWhat: 3D models, plants, and Forest Pack assetsDiscount: 40%Friendly ShadeWhat: Subscriptions to 3D scanned material libraryDiscount: Up to 60%DimensivaWhat: Pro membership (access to architectural 3D models)Discount: Up to 50%Globe PlantsWhat: 3D plantsDiscount: 45%The Pixel LabWhat: VFX assets, materials for OctaneRender, Redshift, and UE5Discount: 30%2D Design ToolsAdobeWhat: Creative Cloud All Apps subscriptionsDiscount: 50% (new annual subscriptions)CorelWhat: Painter, PaintShop Pro, AfterShot ProDiscount: Up to 42%SerifWhat: Affinity products (Photo, Designer, Publisher)Discount: 50%SkylumWhat: Luminar Neo (image editing software)Discount: 80%Lost MarbleWhat: Moho (Debut and Pro editions)Discount: 40%Rendering & VisualizationiRenderWhat: Online rendering servicesDiscount: 50% bonus (over $575), 100% bonus (over $1,500)Soft8SoftWhat: Verge3D (Blender, 3ds Max, Maya)Discount: 25%ThinkineticWhat: Pulldownit for 3ds Max and MayaDiscount: 25%VizPeopleWhat: Photographic cutout people, 3D models, and texturesDiscount: 50%3D and 2D Tools & SoftwareGlobe PlantsWhat: 45% off plant assets.When: Black Friday.Soft8SoftWhat: 25% off Verge3D licenses (including version 7).Discount Code: BlackFriday.AffinityWhat: 50% off Photo, Publisher, and Designer.Topaz LabsWhat: Up to 54% off AI-powered image tools and plugins.AnastasiyWhat: Up to 50% off Photoshop plugins.NevercenterWhat: 15% off Silo & Milo, CameraBag Photo, CameraBag Cinema, and Pixelmash.Discount Code: SAVENOW.3D Models, Libraries, and TexturesFlipped NormalsWhat: Up to 50% off assets.CGTraderWhat: Discounts up to 50% on 3D content.Hum3DWhat: Up to 80% off 3D models.HDRI HubWhat: 50% off all products.Discount Code: BLACK.MaxTreeWhat: 40% off high-quality tree and plant libraries.When: November 21 to December 2.3D Scan StoreWhat: 55% off all 3D scans.Friendly ShadeWhat: 60% off subscription plans for scanned textures.Game Design & Animation ToolsKitBash3DWhat: Discounts on Cargo subscription plans.Cascadeur ProWhat: 30% off until November 21.iToo SoftwareWhat: Discounts on Forest Pack, RailClone, and other assets.When: November 21 to November 28.JangaFXWhat: 30% off licenses.Discount Code: BLACKFRIDAY.Plugins, Scripts & UtilitiesKstudioWhat: 30% off Project Manager, Spline Flow, and other plugins.When: November 20 to December 6.ArchvizToolsWhat: 50% off Maxscripts.Discount Code: black24.When: November 22 to December 7.Spline DynamicsWhat: 50% off 3ds Max plugins and scripts.Discount Code: black50.When: November 25 to December 2.CGProceduralsWhat: 30% off RailClone assets for 3ds Max.Discount Code: BLACKFRIDAY.When: Until December 2.EKDToolsWhat: Free Ecollapse script and 30% off other tools.Discount Code: blackfriday30.When: Until December 6.PULZEWhat: 25% off Scene Manager, Render Manager, or Project Dream.Bonus: Includes 500 Project Dream credits.Discount Code: BF2024.Dont Miss Out on These DealsThese incredible Black Friday deals are perfect for anyone looking to elevate their creative projects. Whether youre working on a 3D game environment, creating stunning visuals, or refining your designs, these offers will save you money while unlocking powerful tools and resources. Act nowmost deals are only available for a limited time!
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  • Black Friday iMac sale: grab M4 all-in-one desktop for just $1,149.99
    appleinsider.com
    Amazon is taking $150 off the price of a new M4 iMac, with a special, limited-time coupon deal for Black Friday.Apple's iMacDon't spend too long picking which color you want Amazon's Black Friday discount on the M4 iMac cannot last long. Currently three iMac colors are available (blue, green and silver), and the base model is just $1,149.99 if you clip the on-page coupon.Buy M4 iMac for $1,149.99 Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
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  • Save $400 with these Black Friday M4 Max MacBook Pro deals
    appleinsider.com
    Apple Black Friday deals continue to pour in across every product line, but these M4 Max MacBook Pro discounts are especially enticing thanks to record-breaking price drops.Every 2024 MacBook Pro is on sale, but there are two configurations in particular that are especially attractive due to their high-performance upgrades and staggering $400 price cuts.Shop the BF dealsThe first is the 14-inch model in Space Black. Marked down to $2,799 after at $400 instant rebate at both Amazon and Best Buy, this configuration has an upgrade to Apple's M4 Max chip with a 14-core CPU and 32-core GPU. Memory comes in at 36GB and the laptop has a good amount of storage at 1TB. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
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  • Kucukcekmece Djemevi, Istanbul, Turkey - e-architect
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    The Kkekmece Djemevi project in Istanbul, designed by EAA in collaboration with the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, was awarded the prize for Future Project Of The Year at WAF 2024https://www.e-architect.com/istanbul/kucukcekmece-djemevi-istanbul-turkey#conceptdesign #istanbul #architectureawards #worldarchitecturefestival #architectureThe Kkekmece Djemevi project by EAA, was awarded the prize for Future Project Of The Year at WAF 2024
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  • Canopy House, Guaruj, So Paulo - e-architect
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    Canopy House has been meticulously designed, by studio mk27, not to disturb the surrounding nature, and to respect the strict construction footprint in So Paulo, Brazilhttps://www.e-architect.com/saopaulo/canopy-house-guaruja-sao-paulo#canopy #house #saopaulo #brazil #architectureCanopy House has been designed, by studio mk27, not to disturb the surrounding nature, and to respect the strict construction footprint
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  • The Faade Secret behind 3 High-Rise Projects
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    Faster cladding, stunning design! SlenderWall offers lightweight precast panels for 50% quicker installation on high-rise projects. #FacadeDesign #Architecture #Cladding #SlenderWall #ZondaMediaIntel #Sponsored https://bit.ly/3UWBHW2How they achieved cladding distinction with up to 50% faster installation.
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  • October's AIA Architecture Billings Index Stabilize for the First Time in Nearly Two Years
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    October Architecture Billings Update!The ABI score hit 50.3 in October, signaling stabilization after a 20-month decline. While client caution remains, firms are forecasting brighter days ahead for 2025. Key Highlights: Regional Strength: South (52.1) leads the way Top Sector: Institutional at 50.5 Inquiries Index: A strong 54.1https://bit.ly/417z1sp#Architecture #DesignIndustry #EconomicOutlook #AIA #ABIReport #ArchitectureInsights The AIA ABI reaches 50.3, signaling balanced activity, but clients remain hesitant on new projects.
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  • Archinect's 2024 Holiday Gift Guide
    archinect.com
    The holiday season is here, and if you're looking for the perfect gift to celebrate, it's time to take a peek at Archinect's curated 2024 gift guide with items selected personally by our editorial team.Whether you're an architect, student, or just a straight-up fan of all things design, we've got you covered. This year, our recommendations ranged in scope from must-see documentaries to home goods to architect-designed timepieces and everything that falls between. The list is broken down into broader categories for your convenience. Now, let's take a look, vet some of the gift ideas, contemplate, test, choose, and enjoy!Watches designed by (some Pritzker-winning) architectsImage credit: Louis VuittonFrank Gehry for Louis Vuitton: Tambour Moon Tourbillon Poinon de Genve Sapphire Sold here What's better than Frank's longstanding collaboration with the luxury retailer? The watch is part of a unique collection inspired by the architecture of Gehry's Fondation Louis Vuitton in Pa...
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  • Inside a rural, contemporary French home by Brengues Le Pavec architectes
    archinect.com
    Brengues Le Pavec architectes has completed a rural home in Hrault, France as a space of refuge and fulfillment. Built on a sloping site at the end of a valley, the homes design seeks to emphasize integration and subtlety.Image credit: Florence AlzondaImage credit: Florence AlzondaStructured between two horizontal plateaus, the house reflects the topography of the land, creating a floating effect that respects the delicate landscape. Large glazed sections dominate the faade, inviting the outdoors in and establishing uninterrupted views.Image credit: Florence AlzondaImage credit: Florence AlzondaTo think of a living space as a dwelling is to think of a space of refuge and fulfillment, the team notes. The site here has an exceptional character, it is an exclusive place, where the notion of integration into a landscape takes on its full meaning.Image credit: Florence AlzondaImage credit: Florence AlzondaThe home is divided into two distinct zones. The open and transparen...
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