Thanks for the info and link. I am rusty on my nuclear physics but I question this from the original article:
“Dr Rubbia says a tonne of the silvery metal named after the Norse god of thunder, who also gave us Thors day or Thursday - produces as much energy as 200 tonnes of uranium”
So, if I understand it correctly, the thorium is converted to U-233 in a breeder, which is then used to produce the power. So, why would one ton of thorium provide as much power as 200 tons of uranium? Does one ton of thorium yield 200 tons of U-233 (Thorium (90) - Uranium (92))? I need to brush up on my nuclear science.
very good question epithermal as we all know the hype media or unscrupulous corporations have been known to use.
I would say that based upon the minimal waste and the claimed higher efficiencies of the proposed high temp. turbines most of this claimed efficiency can be realized. If you use more of the fuel supplied your process is more efficient.
It is certainly a number to be challenged.
I believe they are looking at how much useful U-238 is left when a nuclear plant is refueled.
Most of the world reprocesses that spent fuel to recover the fissionable material. We don’t from the Carter Administration rulings.
Thorium results in a different process.