Nuclear-chemical characteristics of subcritical thorium reactors with external neutron source: a review

Abstract

Due to the deteriorating environmental situation, the problem of decarbonisation requires the use of all available low-carbon technologies. Nuclear power is one of the promising sources of low-carbon electricity and heat generation, which can contribute to achieving carbon neutrality. The development of nuclear power is impossible without a reliable supply of fuel material and this paper draws attention to the possibility of using weakly boron-radioactive thorium-232 (Th-232) as an alternative fuel for nuclear reactors. In this review, the advantages of using thorium fuel in different types of reactors such as light water reactors (LWRs), pressurised water reactors (PWRs) and molten salt reactors - liquid salt reactors (MSRs) are presented. It is shown that the thorium fuel cycle can be used in LWR and MSR reactor designs with minor technical changes. The advantages of the experimental Thorium-based Molten Salt Reactor (TMSR), which is being developed and implemented in China as a successful project to launch the thorium cycle as an alternative to conventional uranium-based fuel, are reviewed. In addition, the problems and reasons for the currently increased interest in the viability of the thorium fuel cycle are discussed.