Premium
Thorium breeder reactors as a power source for 21st century and beyond
Author(s) -
Jagannathan Viswanathan
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
international journal of energy research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.808
H-Index - 95
eISSN - 1099-114X
pISSN - 0363-907X
DOI - 10.1002/er.3951
Subject(s) - fissile material , nuclear power , environmental science , renewable energy , breeder reactor , nuclear fission , thorium fuel cycle , energy development , waste management , energy source , radioactive waste , fossil fuel , nuclear engineering , uranium , thorium , engineering , neutron , nuclear physics , fission , physics , electrical engineering
Summary To meet the world energy demands, all forms of renewable energy sources should be exploited to reduce and possibly eliminate the presently predominant use of chemical energy source of fossil fuels that have a high rate of carbon emission. Nuclear energy from fission reactors is well established. It has less carbon footprint and also has the advantage of continuous base load supply compared with other renewable like solar or wind energy. Public acceptance of nuclear energy is being regained with wide institutional support for ensuring highest level of safety in Gen‐III+ reactors. The R&D on innovative types of nuclear design is also essential to enable both growth and sustenance of nuclear energy. It is necessary to explore ways and means of the complete utilization of both fissile and fertile components of the nuclear fuel, which is possible only through closing of the fuel cycle and allowing multiple reuse of the fuel. Induction of fertile thorium and the depleted uranium in large measure would widen the nuclear material base and ensure energy supply for centuries. The idea of thorium breeders discussed and presented by the author can be studied by several competent groups world over. After a comprehensive research, they can be deployed to provide energy for the 21st century and beyond.