Thorium for Sustainable Nuclear Energy

Abstract

Since the 1950s, there has been interest in using thorium in the nuclear fuel cycle as a primary source of nuclear energy. This is due to its practicality and its likelihood of not becoming scarce in the future. However, in the 2000s, there was a revolution in the international arena to address environmental, economic, and political issues such as global warming, greenhouse gas emissions, depletion of fossil fuels, nuclear proliferation dangers, lack of energy access, and insecurity. The goal of implementing a new nuclear strategy is to substitute thorium for uranium as a source of nuclear energy. This is because thorium is naturally abundant and helps to reduce the risk of nuclear accidents and radioactive contamination. Nevertheless, certain nations have faced obstacles in altering their nuclear approach, mainly due to concerns about the risks associated with nuclear proliferation. But, there are ongoing endeavors to realize a significant climate change stabilizing wedge through the implementation of thorium-based reactors. This article explains the properties of thorium, outlines the advantages of using it, and highlights any limitations to its application, with the aim of addressing these concerns.