efa 710 b41 f5c 7a6 7a9 db4 243 a6d 895 6f8 b49 aa1 c9c cc9 097 9d9 d29 d57 30e e98 0ff 801 2bd 806 f00 0d1 622 aa1 c04 238 9db 033 033 9c0 fec 619 22c b22 c09 9de 300 e69 721 542 bb8 874 e34 f15 0fb 50f fc7 58c 4d1 9dd a01 6fe 72a 962 33b 728 a18 e35 cb2 022 692 1bd e8c 114 0a7 afd 7f2 0a9 889 76c a6c a1d 191 1f6 fac ac8 038 c17 300 c21 9b7 751 c80 18f 4be e05 9b0 30f 783 fa1 f75 3c3 1ee 977 60e

Although in many ways thorium would be a better radioactive element to use for nuclear power, it's also more difficult to weaponise than uranium. Uranium and plutonium have long been at the heart of nuclear power, but many experts see thorium as a better option.

Why are thorium reactors not used?

Thorium cannot in itself power a reactor; unlike natural uranium, it does not contain enough fissile material to initiate a nuclear chain reaction. As a result it must first be bombarded with neutrons to produce the highly radioactive isotope uranium-233 – 'so these are really U-233 reactors,' says Karamoskos.

Are thorium reactors being built?

At least one of the 2MW thorium prototypes, either a molten salt reactor, or a molten salt-cooled reactor, is nearing completion, with startup in September 2021.

What are the downsides to thorium reactors?

Emission of gamma rays: Presence of Uranium-232 in irradiated thorium or thorium based fuels in large amounts is one of the major disadvantages of thorium nuclear power reactors. It can result in significant emissions of gamma rays.

Are thorium reactors a good idea?

Thorium reactors are a different way to generate electricity that could benefit the world. More efficient than their fossil fuel counterparts, safer than a conventional nuclear plant, and generating no carbon emissions as a byproduct, LFTRs are a viable solution for the future of our world's energy needs.

Will we run out of thorium?

This means that even in our extreme scenario, the combined uranium and thorium of the United States would be enough to power the world for about 100.000 years.

Can thorium reactors meltdown?

Most importantly, meltdowns aren't possible with thorium reactors because the reaction is not self-sustaining. That last safety advantage is also the main drawback of thorium. You need a little uranium and a neutron source to get the reaction kickstarted.

Is China building thorium reactors?

The construction of the site began on September 30, 2018. This experimental nuclear reactor will use thorium as fuel. China could become the first country to have the opportunity to commercialise this technology.

Is thorium named after Thor?

In 1815, for example, Berzelius isolated a new element from a mineral sent to him from the Swedish mining town of Falun and named it thorium after the Scandinavian god of thunder, Thor….

What countries use thorium reactors?

Nature and sources of thorium