Quote (brmv @ Jan 14 2014 05:50pm)
The only thing i would accept i stand corrected on is that it is not a newer method, just one that failed to popularize.
Quote
Some experts note possible specific disadvantages of thorium nuclear power:[27]
Breeding in a thermal neutron spectrum is slow and requires extensive reprocessing. The feasibility of reprocessing is still open.[28]
Significant and expensive testing, analysis and licensing work is first required, requiring business and government support.[17] According to a 2012 report by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, about using thorium fuel with existing water-cooled reactors, it would "require too great an investment and provide no clear payoff," noting that "from the utilities’ point of view, the only legitimate driver capable of motivating pursuit of thorium is economics."[29]
There is a higher cost of fuel fabrication and reprocessing in designs that use traditional solid fuel rods.[17]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thorium-based_nuclear_powerone plant that was in use at full operation for 2 years back in the late 80's does not mean they encountered all the problems that they would today. also, now there might be increased standards/requirements in testing/etc.
and if op is talking about liquid fluoride thorium reactor,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liquid_fluoride_thorium_reactorThis post was edited by cialda on Jan 14 2014 06:47pm