2013

Thorium-Based Nuclear Power – a Clean & Viable Alternative

Lobo-Guerrero S., Alberto

Geologist, M.Sc., Min.Ex, Ph.D.

Operations Vice-President

LOGEMIN S.A., Calle 127A No. 51A-90, off. 309, Bogota, Colombia

ageo@logemin.com; www.logemin.com

Key-words: energy crisis, future of humanity, nuclear power, radioactivity, thorium, uranium.

Thorium may produce more power than uranium at 1/10 of the cost, with much less radioactive products. One ton of Th contains equivalent energy to 200 tons of U and 3´500,000 tons of thermal coal. Reactors of this type have been known for over 40 years; technology is being refined for massive industrial use. When that is a reality, society will stop burning fossil fuels. Th-based nuclear power is an energetic solution that is sustainable & environmentally viable for the Earth. It does not emit green-house effect gases. Its products that affect human health and environmental footprint are minimal.

Thorium has collosal advantages over uranium as a nuclear fuel. It cannot be used to produce nuclear weapons. It does not run out of control as in the unfortunate events of Chernobyl or Fukushima. Units cannot over-heat and they shut off automatically. Liquid fluoride thorium reactors may assimilate historical U radioactive waste. World Th resources could support more than 1000 years of growing consumption.

Thorium-based nuclear power has not been implemented for multiple reasons. The defense, nuclear and mining industries will make much less money on it. Most importantly, fossil fuels will cease to be used for combustion if a non-contaminating and less expensive alternative came about. Markets for coal, crude and gas would almost cease. Industries based on them have tremendous political power; their voice is heard by decision-making individuals in governments.

Socio-political implications of establishing Th-based nuclear power are widespread. Energy costs will have a real value, not established by cartels. Global food and transport costs would be lower. Goods will be accessible to a larger percentage of the world’s population. Human habitation on Earth would be fairer. Anti-democratic governments in fuel-rich societies will lose support. Finally, there would be less causes for war on Earth.