As the search for cheap, safe and non-carbon emitting sources of energy continues, a band of scientists say the answer may be nuclear reactors fueled by thorium.
Others caution that thorium reactors pose waste and proliferation risks. Ira Flatow and guests discuss the pros and cons of thorium reactors.
Thorium has gotten some favorable reviews. For instance, the radiation it emits can be shielded with standard kitchen-grade aluminum foil. With the right tech, it’s more energy-dense (energy per lb.) than gasoline — possibly posing a real challenge to all current automotive tech. The stuff is also relatively plentiful.
Outside of VERY, VERY convoluted methods of weapons-material extraction, there are, NO proliferation/waste problems to Thorium. Scientists might CLAIM “problems”, because they are uranium-scientists/have a uranium “rice-bowl/no “experience” with Thorium reactors.” Thorium is IT, –for the USA, –for Iran,–for Japan, and for the nervous nellies of Germany. The waste-ponds of a conventional reactor, can be significantly decreased, because the Thorium-reactor can “burn-up, with tiny residues, conventional uranium wastes. Few would “worry” if Iran was using Thorium reactors.