Nuclear Reactor

Avert Ye Eyes All Who Wish To Be Unspoiled!
The Nuclear Reactor is the final tier of power generation. It produces a large amount of energy in a compact space, but comes with significant risk. If the colony runs out of water, or colonists cannot frequently access the reactor, it may melt down and explode. Such an explosion would inflict severe damage to your political situation and nearby buildings.

The reactor can be unlocked by upgrading your refinery to tier 4. The reactor's individual cores can be deactivated or reactivated on demand, saving water for other uses, or providing extra power during a shortage.

Environmentalists have questioned the value of a nuclear reactor, given that its peak output can be matched by four geothermal stations, taking the same surface size but allowing for more versatility in shape, requiring no coolant or maintenance, and imposing no risk of sudden unexpected disassembly or radioactive fallout. However, beancounters have pointed out that all that underground construction requires 24 crates of supplies, rather than just 6.

requires: tier 4 refinery, frequent maintenance by colonists

cost: 6 supplies

consumes: 2 L water per sol per active core, up to 8 L per sol

produces: 20 kWh per active core, up to 80 kWh

footprint: 4 x 4