Transatomic Power is developing a nuclear reactor that could cut the cost of a nuclear power plant by as much as 50%. The reactor would be an "updated" molten-salt reactor, which are resistant to meltdowns. First demonstrated in the 1960s, the technology has never been widely used. The small reactor would be assembled in a factory rather than on-site. Technology Review points out its potential for cost-savings:

The new reactor is expected to save money not only because it can be built in a factory rather than on site but also because it adds safety features—which could reduce the amount of steel and concrete needed to guard against accidents—and because it runs at atmospheric pressure rather than the high pressures required in conventional reactors.