U. S. leans toward denatured thorium cycle

Journal Article · Mon Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1977 · Electr. Light Power (Boston); (United States)

OSTI ID:7084887

Smock, R

Denatured thorium appears to be the most promising among the nonproliferating alternatives to the plutonium cycle, which the Carter Administration is trying to cancel. Criteria for a better system include uranium utilization comparable to current light water reactors and minimal separation of fissile material into the waste stream. Comparisons with other systems conclude that thorium is preferable because it can lead to an acceptable fast breeder. The thorium cycle can be placed in energy centers for sensitive facilities and can also be introduced into ongoing light water systems. Reprocessing can be handled in the centers, where thorium can be mixed with plutonium for use in reactors within the center, while light water reactors operate on the outside. Any fuel leaving the center would be unsuitable for weapons. Later adaptation to in-center fast breeders will extend energy supplies, although a thorium breeder will be less efficient than a plutonium fast breeder. Denatured thorium is a technical answer to a complex political problem, but those in the nuclear industry see the U.S. goal of a nonproliferating fuel as futile in the light of world politics and breeder efforts in other countries. (DCK)

• OSTI ID: 7084887
• Journal Information: Electr. Light Power (Boston); (United States), Journal Name: Electr. Light Power (Boston); (United States) Vol. 55:8; ISSN ELLPA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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