Technology Assessment of Near-Term Open-Cycle Thorium-Fuelled Nuclear Energy Systems

Abstract

As part of the RCUK-India civil nuclear research collaboration, British and Indian researchers have assessed the merits and disadvantages of, and potential for, open-cycle thorium-uranium-fuelled (Th-U-fuelled) nuclear energy systems. The research centred on fuel cycle modelling and life-cycle assessment of three Th-U-fuelled nuclear energy systems and compared these to a reference uranium-fuelled nuclear energy system, all operating with open nuclear fuel cycles. The results indicate that thorium-based fuels offer little benefit over conventional uranium-fuelled approaches for open-cycle nuclear energy production. This paper provides an overview on the project and stresses over-arching conclusions.