ADSR Thorium in UK: Is It a Viable Gen IV Solution?

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In summary: The Shippingport reactor was an LWR running with thorium fuel. In summary, the conversation discusses the potential of thorium reactors, particularly ADSRs, as a viable option for nuclear energy. The conversation also mentions current research programs on thorium in various countries, including China, India, France, and Czech Republic. It is noted that the US stopped research on thorium in the 1960s, but there were subsequent experiments and reports during the 1980s and 1990s. The conversation also references a website with resources and an active community on thorium energy generation.
  • #1
mcgi5sr2
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http://www.thorea.org/publications/ThoreaReportFinal.pdf
I am a MSc student in the UK and am looking into a PhD in Thorium reactor research. ADSRs seem great from this document and others I have been directed to. What do other people think? Viable Gen IV or waste of time?
yours
Stephen
 
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  • #2
Very interesting. I was wondering if anyone knows if there is active research on this technology here in the US? A google search and a search of this forum was unfruitful.

Catsworth
 
  • #3
I know of two in Europe so far MYRRHA http://www.sckcen.be/en/Our-Research/Research-domains/Advanced-nuclear-systems-GEN-IV-MYRRHA-ADS
and this one http://www.akersolutions.com/en/Global-menu/Products-and-Services/technology-segment/Energy-and-environmental/Nuclear/Novel-Thorium-Reactor/

I found reports at IAEA that the Chinese are plowing five year plan after five year plan into the tech too.
 
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  • #4
I'm a US journalist & analyst, working on a book on thorium to be published in spring of 2012 by Macmillan Science. I wrote the thorium story that ran in Wired a year ago:
http://www.wired.com/magazine/2009/12/ff_new_nukes/
Mcgi5sr2, I'd be most interested in communicating and hearing about your research. If we could exchange emails I'd be most grateful.

R. Martin
 
  • #5
Hi RMartinTh90,
as I mentioned I'm an MSc student, so my research is literally reading papers on Thorium and ADSRs. I will happily send you anything I find and help out where I can. I'm certainly not at a level to be a source though. I posted here to try and get advice on Thorium and ADSR tech. Love the article though.
yours
Stephen
 
  • #6
http://energyfromthorium.com/

there you will find lots of documents regarding energy generation from thorium (especialy the LFTR concept) this site also have an active community with lots of experts that can help you.

Current research programs are located in:
- China (LFTR)
- India (AHWR)
- France (Various)
- Czech (LFTR)

The US stopped research on thorium in the sixties and further worked on a sodium fast breeder reactor.
 
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  • #7
Tobias Anhalt said:
http://energyfromthorium.com/

there you will find lots of documents regarding energy generation from thorium (especialy the LFTR concept) this site also have an active community with lots of experts that can help you.

Current research programs are located in:
- China (LFTR)
- India (AHWR)
- France (Various)
- Czech (LFTR)

The US stopped research on thorium in the sixties and further worked on a sodium fast breeder reactor.
Actually, research with thorium fuel was conducted into the 1980's and early 90's. The Shippingport reactor irradiated thorium August 1977 until Oct. 1982. There was subsequent PIE, and reports issued during the late 1980's.

http://www.atomicinsights.com/oct95/LWBR_oct95.html
http://www-istp.gsfc.nasa.gov/stargaze/Sthorium.htm

See Reference 2 here - http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/inf62.html#References
 
  • #8
Actually, research with thorium fuel was conducted into the 1980's and early 90's. The Shippingport reactor irradiated thorium August 1977 until Oct. 1982. There was subsequent PIE, and reports issued during the late 1980's.

You are right.
The US stopped research on thorium in the sixties and further worked on a sodium fast breeder reactor.
Was regarding to the molten salt reactor experiment at Oak Ridge.
 

1. What is ADSR Thorium and how does it differ from other nuclear energy solutions?

ADSR Thorium is a type of nuclear energy technology that uses thorium as its main fuel source. It differs from other nuclear energy solutions, such as traditional nuclear reactors, because it uses a different type of nuclear reaction (accelerator-driven subcritical reaction) and produces significantly less nuclear waste.

2. Is ADSR Thorium a viable solution for the UK's energy needs?

While ADSR Thorium has potential as a clean and efficient energy source, it is not currently a viable solution for the UK's energy needs. The technology is still in the research and development stage and has not been implemented on a large scale.

3. What are the advantages of using ADSR Thorium over other nuclear energy solutions?

ADSR Thorium offers several advantages over traditional nuclear reactors, including a more efficient use of fuel, a lower risk of nuclear accidents, and reduced nuclear waste production. It also does not require enriched uranium, which is a potential target for nuclear weapon development.

4. What are the potential challenges or drawbacks of using ADSR Thorium?

One of the main challenges of implementing ADSR Thorium is the high cost of building and operating the necessary infrastructure, including the accelerator and subcritical reactor. There are also concerns about the availability and supply of thorium, as it is not currently used in large quantities.

5. Are there any countries currently using ADSR Thorium as a nuclear energy solution?

No, there are currently no countries using ADSR Thorium as a nuclear energy solution on a commercial scale. However, several countries, including the UK, China, and India, are conducting research and development on the technology and may potentially implement it in the future.

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