Utilization of Thorium
Thorium utilization is the process of using Thorium-232 to generate nuclear power. It is the cornerstone of India’s long-term energy strategy due to the country's vast thorium reserves.
Core Concept
Thorium is "fertile," not "fissile," meaning it cannot sustain a reaction on its own. It must be converted into Uranium-233 (U-233) inside a reactor before it can produce energy.
How the Technology Works
- The Transmutation: Inside a reactor, a Thorium-232 atom absorbs a neutron and undergoes radioactive decay to become Uranium-233.
- Breeding: In a Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR), the system produces more fissile fuel (U-233) than it consumes.
- The Three-Stage Cycle:
- Stage 1: ....
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