Fast Reactors and Accelerator Driven Systems Knowledge Base

Conference Article: The non-proliferative commercial Radkowsky thorium fuel concept

Higatsberger, M.J. (Institute for Experimental Physics, University of Vienna (Austria))

Abstract

Thorium is found in large quantities and is plentiful available throughout the world. Today almost all existing pressurised water power reactors as well as boiling water power reactors can be retro-fitted with the novel seed-blanket core called the 'Radkowsky Thorium Fuel Core'. Because the new thorium-based cores fit into the same space as the current uranium cores, no or only minor changes to existing operating nuclear plants are necessary. 'Radkowsky Nonproliferative Light Water Thorium Nuclear Reactor Concept' was developed and is under test in the USA and in Russia. Advantages of the RTF nuclear reactors may lead to a change of the present public opinion against nuclear power bringing about a better understanding of the benefits of nuclear fission for energy production.

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key words: inventories; non-proliferation policy; non-proliferation treaty; nuclear disarmament; plutonium; proliferation; pwr type reactors; safeguards; thorium cycle; thorium reactors
Reference:
Proceedings of three IAEA meetings held in Vienna in 1997, 1998 and 1999
International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna (Austria)
IAEA-TECDOC--1319, pp:321-342