Safe, Clean, Proliferation Resistant and Cost-Effective Thorium-based Molten Salt Reactors for Sustainable Development

Abstract

Sustainable development requires sustainable energy sources. Nuclear energy is proposed, but it is perceived as problematic in terms of proliferation, waste, safety and costs. In this paper, these issues are analyzed, and it is demonstrated that this perception is not rooted in the reality of modern nuclear technologies. In fact, the paper concludes that Thorium-based Molten Salt Reactors (TMSR) technology is clean, safe, proliferation resistant and cost effective, and even better than traditional nuclear technologies. Given that thorium is a plentiful resource, this technology can propel humanity forward for the next 1000 years or more. What is lacking is an understanding of TMSR by those who allocate funding for research. Hence, this paper is also a call for action.