Thorium Reactor May Revolutionize Nuclear Power Concepts

One of the major obstacles in using nuclear reactors for power generation is that there are many hazardous wastes in the process. Uranium enrichment, for example, results in the generation of plutonium, which continues to emit radiation for thousands of years - which is not exactly safe for almost any living species, as you might imagine.

But now Norwegian scientists have a project that can revolutionize everything we know about obtaining electricity through nuclear reactions. And this happens with the replacement of uranium by thorium, in cold fusions that can result in safer and cleaner fuel - because there is less production of toxic waste and that means less radioactive waste disposal.

The problems of uranium

Although it is possible to recycle uranium, it generates very high costs for countries. In the United States, for example, much of the enriched uranium waste is only taken to radioactive waste containers. Unsafe, the process can result in damage to people and other living things (animals, vegetables and nearby waters) in the medium to long term.

New Test Phase

Before the system can be commercially applied, Norwegian researchers need to perform some safety and system efficiency tests. It will be five years of using a thorium-MOX reactor, so a thorough analysis makes it clear whether it is even possible to use the new technology in a commercial mode or if the project will have to be abandoned.

Thorium is abundant and relatively inexpensive, but it does not contain enough fission material to support large chain reactions. So you have to mix the element with plutonium oxide, which makes the whole process more powerful - the alloy is being called Thorium-MOX. In addition, it is an efficient way to recycle plutonium, which would be destitute after enrichment.

Bonus: "Thorium means what I'm thinking?"

It means yes! The name of the element was chosen to honor the god of thunder, Thor - the same that inspired the creation of the Marvel Comics character. Coincidental or not, Thor's rays are also endowed with a lot of energy.

Via TecMundo