| Summary: | The advantages and disadvantages of the use of thorium bearing fuel in light water
reactors have been examined several times from the beginning of the nuclear energy era
until the late seventies. The recent motivation for re-examining the use of thorium in
light water reactors' once-through fuel cycle is enhancing the cycle proliferationresistance
due to reduced plutonium production. Additionally, economic benefits from
reducing the initial enrichment needs of high burnup fuels may be obtained. Similarly, it
may be possible to rely on the higher melting point and higher thermal conductivity of
ThO[subscript 2] to enhance the safety margin of the core. Thorium dioxide is the highest stable
oxide form of thorium, which may further improve the spent fuel repository performance.
The information obtained in previous studies is reviewed to assess its suitability for
application to the current fuel cycle conditions. It is concluded that the thorium fuel
experience of the past is insufficient to make a judgement on the feasibility and
performance of the thorium bearing fuels in the reactors operating under current
conditions. The needs for new research and development efforts in the areas of
neutronics, fuel behavior, safety and waste performance are outlined.
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