Schaub 4PM
L04
THORIUM NUCLEAR POWER: AN INGENIUS ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
Brendan Demich (bdd32@pitt.edu)
INTRODUCTION
Numerous alternative energies are being conceived and
developed in order to lessen dependence on the current fossil
fuel-dependent energy market; however, a new development
to already established nuclear energy may provide the best
alternative to the energy crisis. Replacing the current nuclear
fuel, uranium-235, with thorium, a radioactive metal, will
provide cheaper, safer nuclear power. As an aspiring
industrial engineer excited about the implications of nuclear
energy, I am interested by the potentials of thorium nuclear
reactors. Energy prices could significantly drop for its
customers by introducing the new fuel to the nuclear energy
market, while simultaneously reducing carbon emissions that
are responsible for many of the environmental damages that
burning fossil fuels have caused. Thorium also would have
advantages over its predecessor in its safety and availability
worldwide. This formal writing assignment has given me
unique experience that will prepare me for a future career,
and I will be able to co-write engineering literature. As a
future engineer with an interest in industry and energy, I
support government funding of research and promotion of
thorium nuclear reactors to provide clean, affordable energy
for America and its partners.
ADVANTAGES OVER FOSSIL FUELS
With growing concerns over humanity’s impact on the
environment and dwindling resources, world powers are
looking to expediently replace fossil fuels. Nuclear fuel has
always been considered for replacing it, yet some concerns
due to safety and ecological impact have slowed any
possible transition to the energy source. Many people are
misinformed about nuclear energy and its byproducts,
especially thorium energy, as it will have a greatly
diminished effect on the environment compared to fossil fuel
energy. Also, resources for nuclear power are more readily
available than fossil fuels.
Environmental Impacts of Nuclear Energy v. Fossil Fuels
Evidence suggests that it is that mankind has had
profound, negative effects on the environment, like global
climate change and air and water pollution, caused by
burning fossil fuels. Nuclear fuel has the possibility to
eliminate each of these effects. According to the National
Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) Code of Ethics
for Engineers, Professional Obligation 2d., “engineers are
encouraged to adhere to principles of sustainable
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development in order to protect the environment for future
generations” [1]. The sustainability of nuclear energy, when
evaluated, could be the key to provide energy, without major
environmental damages. Along with hydroelectric power
and wind power, nuclear power has far lower greenhouse
gas emissions than any other current energy source [2].
Furthermore, uranium and thorium mining have no greater
environmental impact than most other types of mining.
Environmental introduction of radiation from mining
uranium in granite and thorium sand release similar or less
levels than other mining because of the presence of radon,
radium, and other radioactive materials underground [2].
Production of nuclear energy in the form of thorium would
produce nearly no radioactive byproducts, though the small
remaining byproducts would have to be stored in a longduration container [3]. Finally, nuclear energy production
releases the fewest (almost undetectable) levels of local air
pollutants that cause health issues and rain acidification [2].
Public safety is vital to the job of nuclear engineers, outlined
by the second Practice of Professional Conduct in the
American Nuclear Society (ANS) Code of Ethics. This
Practice states that engineers will advise appropriate parties
if their “professional duties might have adverse
consequences or the present or future public and fellow
worker health and safety or the environment” [4]. In order
with this practice, the potential benefits of thorium nuclear
power to curb the damaging long-term environments effects
of greenhouse gas emissions outweigh the risks of nuclear
energy production. However, engineers must take all
necessary steps to ensure that this new energy will not cause
any unforeseen damages. I believe that thorium nuclear
energy can outperform fossil fuels when used ethically.
Economic Advantages of Nuclear Energy v. Fossil Fuels
The availability of cheap, abundant energy is vital to the
success of industrialized nations and the growth of
developing countries. Nuclear energy has the opportunity to
provide this to both parties. Many factors inherent of nuclear
energy would allow cheaper energy to consumers. Firstly,
elements, especially thorium, are more abundant than fossil
fuels with some calling it “as common as dirt,” [5]. Not only
are they more abundant, but they are also distributed far
more evenly worldwide, allowing availability to this power
globally [3]. Some developed nations like China and India
have large reserves of thorium sand [5]. These factors could
free the world from the economic hardships caused by
dependence on fossil fuels. Furthermore, the costs of
production and cost of waste control and disposal of nuclear
power are much smaller than those of fossil fuels [3].
Brendan Demich
Nuclear fuels have the capability of providing affordable
energy to both industrial and developing nations.
solves is the issue of nuclear fuels catching fire and releasing
radioactive fumes. Unlike uranium, thorium salts are not
flammable and therefore would be unable to cause health
hazards to workers or the public in this manner [3]. Finally,
thorium radioactivity mostly releases alpha particles, which
are far less damaging biologically compared to the gamma
particles of uranium [6]. These features of thorium energy
follow the canons set by engineering codes of ethics, by
providing safety to the public. Though there is some
hesitation from the public towards nuclear energy because of
high profile accidents like the ones in Chernobyl and
Fukushima, LFTR’s would provide the far higher standards
of safety.
LFTR Efficiency
In order for any energy source to be competitive, cost
effectiveness is vital. Thorium reactors are not only more
cost effective than fossil fuel power plants; they also
outperform their uranium-235 predecessors. First, in order
for the nuclear reactor to operate efficiently, fuel must be
obtainable and affordable. Thorium sand is four times more
abundant than uranium and may only cost 2 cents per the
equivalent weight in uranium costing far more [5]. This
outstanding efficiency of thorium is because all thorium
mined can be used for fuel, as opposed to uranium, which
requires extensive refining to reach energy grade quality [8].
The United States alone has an estimated 440 thousand
metric tons of thorium available [9]. Not only is the fuel
cheaper, but energy production proves to be far more
efficient as well. Thorium fuel in LFTR’s would burn hotter
than uranium, which would consume more fuel. Because of
this nearly complete reaction “instead of 10,000 pounds of
waste, you would have 300 pounds of waste” [6]. This again
is in accordance with the canon requiring engineers to seek
sustainability and environmental preservation [1]. And this
higher temperature reaction allows far greater energy
efficiency. Fuel consumption would be drastically lowered
to “1 metric ton of thorium,” compared to “200 metric tons
of uranium or 3.5 million metric tons of coal,” to produce
equivalent amounts of energy [6]. All of these factors would
make thorium energy far cheaper. One estimate claims that
if a town were to invest in a thorium reactor, each family
could pay as little as 40 cents per year on energy [8]! All
figures suggest that investment thorium reactors would be
far more efficient economically than uranium-235 reactors.
FIGURE 1: RANGE EXTERNAL COSTS OF
ELECTRICITY GERNRATION [3]
Nuclear energy has far a lower range of external costs that
most competing energy
ADVANTAGES OVER URANIUM-235
The current trend of our society is to liberate ourselves
from our dangerous dependency on fossil fuels, and one
alternative is to increase nuclear energy production. To do
this responsibly, however, requires 21st century engineers to
ensure that this alternative is safe and efficient. Thorium
reactors have the potential to meet these requirements with
sufficient preoperational research. Thorium nuclear reactors
will provide the necessary safety and efficiency standards to
meet and exceed the requirements that Americans expect.
Thorium Reactor Safety
As with any major industry, measures must be taken to
assure that all systems are safe to its workers and the general
population. Both the ANS and the NSPE Codes of Ethics
dictate that engineers will “hold paramount the safety,
health, and welfare of the public” and that an engineer will
report endangering practices to the proper authorities [1]
[4].It is accepted by governments worldwide that nuclear
power is a safe source for energy; the potential for a large
scale disaster is a major deterrent for increasing nuclear
power investments. Liquid Fluoride Thorium Reactors
(LFTR’s) could provide an additional level of safety that
classic uranium reactors lack. LFTR’s have the possibility of
preventing meltdown disasters from occurring, like the
recent partial meltdown in Fukushima, Japan [6]. This is
because thorium reactors do not require a water coolant,
which is what caused hydrogen explosions in Fukushima [7].
Furthermore, thorium is unable to continue a chain reaction
without external control, and therefore would be completely
unable to melt down [5]. Another key issue that thorium
LARGE SCALE PRODUCTION OF LFTR’S
In order for this technology to become available on the
market, an efficient method of production of these reactors
must become available. Currently, the two options are to
either build new reactors specialized for thorium reactions,
or converting existing uranium reactors [6]. LFTR’s are
currently being designed in France, which plans to have a
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Brendan Demich
prototype by the end of 2013, and in China, which plans to
have a working LFTR by 2015 [3], [6]. India as well plans to
use thorium in its nuclear reactors [6]. Nuclear engineers
must make efforts to extend public knowledge on this
subject, in accordance with Professional Obligation 1d. of
the NSPE Code of Ethics [1]. As a result, the public may be
more accepting of this unfamiliar technology, and the
achievements and efforts of engineers are recognized. Some
argue that if LFTR’s are built or converted, there will not be
any thorium to fuel them: however, many countries already
have reserves of thorium as byproducts of mining [6]. The
United States nuclear industry is wary of proceeding with
either strategy of developing thorium reactors, as they see it
as a gamble. Also, the Pentagon has begun to examine the
potentials of thorium, but is reluctant because many
engineers are unfamiliar with the fuel [6]. Some also argue
that the expenses of converting or building these reactors
would cost too much. However, it is evident that an
investment into thorium reactors would have a long-term
benefit for investors and consumers.
the funding to do so. Technical writing assignments for
freshman engineers provide competitive experience for job
placement and productivity.
REFERENCES
[1] "NSPE Code of Ethics for Engineers." National Society
for Professional Engineers. National Society for
Professional Engineers, July 2007. Web. 29 Oct 2012.
<http://www.nspe.org/Ethics/CodeofEthics/index.html>.
[2] Holger Rogner, H. "Nuclear Power and Sustainable
Development." Journal of International Affairs64.FallWinter (2010): 137-160. Gale Group. Database. 8 Oct 2012.
<http://go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?action=interpret&id=GAL
E|A244159024&v=2.1&u=upitt_main&it=r&p=ITOF&sw=
w&authCount=1>.
[3] Shiga, David. (2011). "Rescuing Nuclear Power." New
Scientist (2011): 8-10. EBSCOhost. Database. 8 Oct 2012.
<http://web.ebscohost.com.pitt.idm.oclc.org/ehost/delivery?s
id=5dee27e0-3aa3-4559-b87fd9e1a7a13924@sessionmgr11&vid=3&hid=8>.
[4] "Code of Ethics." American Nuclear Society. American
Nuclear Society, 1 June 2012. Web. 29 Oct 2012.
<http://www.new.ans.org/about/coe/>.
[5] Reynold , Neils. "Atomic Age." Globe and
Mail [Canada] 23 May 2011, Monday A13. Web. 8 Oct.
2012.
<http://www.lexisnexis.com/hottopics/lnacademic/?verb=sr
&csi=303830&sr=HLEAD(With thorium, we could have
safe nuclear power) and date is May 23, 2011>.
[6] Niiler, Eric. "Nuclear Power Entrepeneurs Push Thorium
as a Fuel." Washington Post 20 Feb 2012, n. pag. Web. 8
Oct.
2012.
<http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/healthscience/nuclear-power-entrepreneurs-push-thorium-as-afuel/2011/12/15/gIQALTinPR_story_2.html>.
[7] "Explore Benefits of Thorium to Generate Nuclear
Power."Advertiser [Adelaide] 29 Mar 2011, n. pag. Web. 8
Oct.
2012.
<http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?sid=8cdd5521-96074e37-930a943bf9b2cce6@sessionmgr14&vid=3&hid=125&bdata=JnN
pdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ==
[8] Ashley, V.B., and R. Ashworth. "Accelerating Towards a
Thorium Fuelled Future?." Modern Power Systems. 30.12
(Dec.
2010):
p19.
Web.
8
Oct.
2012.
<http://go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?action=interpret&id=GAL
E|A247037741&v=2.1&u=upitt_main&it=r&p=ITOF&sw=
w&authCount=1>.
[9] "Could Thorium Make Safe Nuclear Power?." Week 28
Mar
2011,
n.
pag.
Web.
8
Oct.
2012.
<http://theweek.com/article/index/213611/could-thoriummake-nuclear-power-safe>.
[10] Lord, Susan. "The International Journal of
ENGINEERING EDUCATION." International Journal of
EDUCATIONAL VALUE OF FRESHMAN
WRITING
Through exposure to the formal University of Pittsburgh,
Engineering curriculum writing assignments for freshmen, I
have gained valuable experience that will give me the ability
to contribute to literature earlier in my career than my
competitors. According to the International Journal of
Engineering Education, in order for an undergraduate
writing assignment to be effective, the assignment must have
an authentic investigation, be written with technical content,
and be practical for an engineering career [10]. These
assignments have required literature research, required a
technical writing style, and sparked critical thinking to
prepare for future careers. With the experience of an
internship, I have observed and aided colleagues in literature
research and subject testing. I will now be able to work in
the drafting of formal research documents because of the
experience this curriculum has given me.
CONCLUSION
Thorium nuclear reactors could solve the energy crisis,
replacing both fossil fuels and traditional uranium fuel.
Nuclear power, especially when using thorium, has
significant advantages over the consumption of fossil fuels
both economically and ecologically. In the competition
between thorium and uranium-235, thorium outperforms in
many aspects. Additionally, thorium energy could be one of
the most ethically sound forms of energy, if properly
developed and executed. The technology to convert to
thorium energy will be marketable in the near future. In
order to utilize this energy marvel, engineers globally must
unite to develop the necessary technologies and must have
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Brendan Demich
ENGINEERING EDUCATION. 25.1 (2009): 196-204. Web.
29 Oct. 2012. <http://www.ijee.ie/latestissues/Vol251/s23_Ijee2132.pdf>.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES
Green, Hank, perf. Liquid Fluoride Thorium Reactors
(LFTR): Energy for the Future?. Scishow, 2012. Web. 8 Oct
2012. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYxlpeJEKmw>.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I would like firstly like to thank Miss Julie Lester for
encouragement and motivation. I also thank the library
system of the University of Pittsburgh for allowing me the
use of its resources.
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