Refueling a Nuclear Reactor – Smarter Every Day 311

Destin heads inside TVA’s Browns Ferry nuclear plant to show exactly what happens when a reactor goes offline for refueling. You’ll see massive fuel assemblies lifted, control rods carefully maneuvered, and the whole underwater dance that keeps radiation locked in.

Along the way, he chats with plant engineers about safety protocols, pool storage of spent fuel, and the impressive engineering that makes turning a reactor back on a routine (but still jaw-dropping) operation.

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