THE FEASIBILITY OF THORIUM AS AN EXPANDING COMMODITY

Thorium is a naturally occurring slightly radioactive metal that is more abundant on the earth then uranium. International research to implement thorium as a nuclear fuel source has been ongoing for the last four decades resulting in India and China leading the charge. India has access to enormous thorium reserves. It has demonstrated a commitment to thorium powered nuclear energy utilization in a three stage concept. Utilizing pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWRs ) and light water reactors fueled by uranium, fast breeder reactors (FBRs) powered by plutonium and advanced heavy water reactors (AHWRs) that will eventually lead to a closed nuclear fuel cycle. China is also leading the research and development efforts for thorium as a nuclear fuel source with their Molten Salt Reactors with assistance from the United States. This paper will provide a general overview of the current state of thorium energy research followed by an analysis of the current global marketplace for thorium. The use of case studies will be implemented to determine the feasibility of thorium as an expanding commodity. The following eight companies will be compared and contrasted in terms of their energy and economic potential: Flibe Energy (Alabama, USA), Laser Power Systems (Massachusetts, USA), Moltex Energy (London, England), TerraPower (Washington, USA), Terrestrial Energy (Ontario, Canada), ThorCon Power (Florida, USA), Transatomic Power Corporation, VV Minerals (Tamil Nadu, India).