Episode 33 | Fissile Fuel | Lightbridge Corp.
For months I've wanted to do an episode about Thorium nuclear fuel. Thorium, like its god-of-thunder namesake, is a big atom. It's also a good substitute for Uranium, and is far more plentiful. However, in the process of fissioning Thorium, it forms Uranium. Whereas when we fission Uranium to create power, it forms Plutonium, which (even though there is very little of it) can be weaponized.
However, Thorium fuel would require new power plant designs, and with a steady supply of Uranium, the technology is not aggressively being pursued.
Thanks to the World Nuclear Association, I was turned on to Lightbridge Corp. They have a Thorium and Uranium Oxide "Seed and Blanket" technology, which can actually be used in existing power plants. However, their product they are most thrilled about is their Metal Fuel technology.
Typical nuclear power plants use an Oxide Fuel, typically, Uranium Oxide, which has been crushed and processed into small ceramic pellets. These pellets are fitted into sealed metal rods, and these rods make an assembly. Several dozen assemblies make up a core.
Metal Fuels have been known to be far more efficient, but they are less heat-resistant than Oxide assemblies. Lightbridge says their design has fixed that problem, leading to a nuclear fuel that is more efficient, cost effective, and safer than others.
I spoke to Seth Grae about their fuel's benefits, the myths surrounding nuclear waste in this country, and Thorium's potential future. I found Seth's remarks clear and honest, and hope the industry hears more from him in the future.
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