Review of thorium-containing fuels in LWRs

Abstract

Stemming from a renewed interest in the suitability of thorium as fertile isotope, this study presents an extensive survey of some of the recent advances on the use of thorium in light water reactors, with the view of informing researchers and policy makers. The isotopic properties of fertile and fissile material are discussed, with an emphasis on the suitability and unique characteristics of thorium. The overview is categorized in terms of fuel design, moderation, neutronic behaviour, thermal-hydraulics, fuel performance, radiotoxicity and proliferation. A brief scoping of varying perspectives on the economics of thorium in various fuel designs and applications in open and closed cycles, long residence fuel and fleet applications is presented. In conclusion, a high-level explanation of dominating factors, rendering various (often divergent) outcomes, is attempted, based on first principles.