The ongoing global energy crisis, while triggered by numerous economic factors then radically amplified by increasing government corruption via monetary inflation, has led to soaring prices and shortages in essential goods and energy resources across the globe, impacting billions of lives1.
Advanced nuclear technology, especially Molten Salt Reactors (MSRs) fueled by Thorium, make it possible to buttress our energy future against the cold providing hope and promising to address these challenges for the long term.
Historical Context
The evolution of nuclear energy, marked by significant developments in atomic radiation, atomic change, and nuclear fission, had transitioned towards harnessing this power for electricity generation was understood as recently as 19562.
Unfortunately, the green movement in the 70s, did not understand the energy prosperity they lobbied against.(or did they?) The media that bleeds leads, and so the drum beat vision of fear via atomic war was spread into the public mind amputating the nuclear fission industry, relegating it to research and academics. Tied like Gulliver by thousands of lines of red tape, regulations, and bureaucratic hoops. Particularly the billion+ dollar and decades long licensing, permitting process in place at the NRC today.
Due to the advances in communications, information distribution, and availability, a small group of dedicated scientists and enthusiasts unearthed a National Research project at Oak Ridge National Laboratories on the subject of a new form of advanced reactor technology which was successfully demonstrated from the 1950s-1970s. Dubbed: The Molten Salt Reactor Experiment. Analogus to the difference between a steam engine and a direct injected supercharger or a brushed DC motor and a liquid cooled variable frequency AC magnetic reluctance drive. The technology was held back from advancing alongside its brethren the silicon transistor, combustion engine, or other parallel technologies rapidly advancing through profitable unchained innovation.
Advanced Nuclear Reactors
MSRs, utilizing super heated molten fluoride salts as coolants at low pressure, offer an even safer and more efficient approach to nuclear energy production. The potential of Thorium as a fuel is especially significant due to its abundance, and its capability to breed fissile uranium-233 in MSRs3.
See: FLiBe Energy, at the bottom of the page.
Potential Impact
MSRs with Thorium fuel operate at lower pressures, averting the risks associated with existing heavy pressure vessels, steam, and hydrogen explosions. Even though these existing designs are today, still safer per Megawatt hour than any other form of electrical production. The advanced reactors can achieve higher efficiency in electricity generation due to high molten salt temperatures (> 700 C)4. Alongside electrical production MSRs allow extraction of valuable isotopes for medical research, diagnosis, and cancer treatment(Mo-99).
Challenges and Opportunities
Experts from 17 nations recently collaborated to advance MSR technology, aiming to offer safer nuclear power, mitigate climate change, and reduce fossil fuel dependence5.
Yet this is not headline news, nor is it heralded as a solution to climate change, or poverty, or worldwide peace from resource abundance by the mainstream media organizations[NPR,CNN,MSNBC,FOX,ABC,BBC](Why?).
I think the incentive structures of nation states including and especially the United States Federal government has been radically corrupted. How could it not? With the incentive to spend and print money from the federal reserve with no backing asset? The corruption is blatant and in plain sight for everyone to see! There are no “sides”. only establishment trough feeders…
Call to Action
Technology does not advance on its own, it requires teams of highly motivated people to convert their thoughts and dreams into reality and to test them against it, failing as they must, until they produce the intended results. My father instilled the scientific method deep in my mind, early in my life, a gift, which I apply to engineering design and troubleshooting.
I am now engaged in collaborative efforts to advance MSR technology with a small group of highly motivated entrepreneurs. The chaos of our times underscores the critical necessity and promising potential of advanced nuclear technology in addressing not only the global energy crisis but the mental crisis.
The loss of purpose within the lives of the young and impressionable is devastating to health and well-being. The ever advancing psycho-physiological technology pocket lights, imbued with advanced technology penetrates even the most intelligent and informed minds. The “airwaves” are brainwashing us by the constant drum beat of fear in our media feeds to believe the end is nigh.
This is only true if you believe it to be true, I am here to remind you that:
“What you truly believe, you can achieve.”
Remind your friends family and loved ones that the future can be bright! That we are capable of fixing the problems we have created, that hope is paramount. That YOU might be the difference between success and failure. Resist the negativity, forge your shields, enchant your houses.
QUESTION EVERYTHING, including what you hear from me!
While we are not yet ready for investment and international cooperation. These will become imperative to foster the deployment of MSRs alongside Thorium fuel cycle for a sustainable energy future to ensure the continuation of humanity and life itself. Play your part, start by DECIDING, you will be a positive influence on your own future. Despite any obstacles you may face.
Below is a company which also heralds this noble future of clean abundance and prosperity called FLiBe Energy. I’ve summarized their pitch, but you may also watch their short video if you’re interested.
FLiBe Energy: Pioneering Sustainable Energy through the Thorium Fuel Cycle
Flibe Energy is pioneering the development of a new generation of molten salt reactors, leveraging the innovative Thorium fuel cycle. These reactors utilize a two-fluid design, consisting of a fuel salt in the core and a blanket salt surrounding it, to sustain nuclear chain reactions while maximizing efficiency.
The Thorium Fuel Cycle: A Revolutionary Approach
The Thorium fuel cycle is a revolutionary approach to producing nuclear energy. It begins with the process of fission in uranium, which releases energy and at least one neutron. This neutron is absorbed by a Thorium atom, initiating a transformation process. The Thorium atom decays into protactinium and eventually into uranium, which undergoes fission, perpetuating the cycle and creating a continuous energy source from Thorium.
Chemistry and Transformation to Nuclear Fuel
Understanding the chemistry of the Thorium fuel cycle is crucial. Uranium, with its ability to undergo nuclear fission, forms a chemical compound called uranium tetrafluoride in a molten salt reactor. The fission process releases substantial energy and additional neutrons, which undergo a moderation process to cause additional reactions. Another neutron needs to be absorbed by a Thorium atom, initiating a transformation process that turns Thorium into a nuclear fuel, protactinium, which eventually decays to fissile uranium.
Protactinium Isolation and Uranium-233
To ensure the Thorium fuel cycle's success, protactinium must be isolated from neutrons. Flibe Energy employs an electrolytic cell to extract protactinium from the salt, allowing simultaneous refueling of the blanket with Thorium. The protactinium is then stored, allowing it time to decay to uranium, which is reintroduced into the reactor, refueling it and allowing the operation to continue seamlessly. Uranium-233 is pivotal in this process, being essential to initiate the Thorium fuel cycle and realize Thorium's full potential.
Endless Energy and Sustainability
Flibe Energy's molten salt reactors and the Thorium fuel cycle promise a future of endless, sustainable energy. The meticulous process of transforming Thorium, isolating protactinium, and utilizing uranium-233 is central to providing an inexhaustible energy supply to the world. This innovative approach stands as a beacon of hope, promising a future where energy is abundant, efficient, and environmentally friendly.
Conclusion
Flibe Energy's advancements in the Thorium fuel cycle and molten salt reactors are groundbreaking in the field of nuclear energy. The integration of Thorium and uranium-233 is a testament to the progressive strides being made to meet the world's growing energy needs sustainably. For those interested in learning more about Flibe Energy's innovative approach and the Thorium fuel cycle, follow them on LinkedIn or visit Flibe Energy's website.
This comprehensive overview elucidates Flibe Energy's commitment to harnessing the Thorium fuel cycle's potential, aiming to revolutionize nuclear technology and create a sustainable energy future.
