Thorium-based nuclear power
Nuclear energy extracted from thorium isotopes
Thorium-based nuclear power
Thorium-based nuclear power generation is fueled primarily by the nuclear fission of the isotope uranium-233 produced from the fertile element thorium. A thorium fuel cycle can offer several potential advantages over a uranium fuel cycle—including the much greater abundance of thorium found on Earth, superior physical and nuclear fuel properties, and reduced nuclear waste production. Thorium fuel also has a lower weaponization potential because it is difficult to weaponize the uranium-233 that is bred in the reactor. Plutonium-239 is produced at much lower levels and can be consumed in thorium reactors. Thorium was first used in a commercial reactor in 1962, at the Indian Point Energy Center. Since then, several other commercial reactors have been fueled using thorium, including light-water reactors and high-temperature gas-cooled reactors. The feasibility of a thorium fuel cycle at a large scale was demonstrated through the design, construction and successful operation of the thorium-based...
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