Thorium: Fission Future

Energy of Gods

Kirk Sorensen:

The story of Thorium and Uranium begins 14 billion years ago with the Big Bang. Stars and galaxies formed, acting as factories for new elements. Supernovae explosions seeded the universe with elements heavier than iron, including Thorium and Uranium. These radioactive elements stored energy from the supernova explosions in their atomic nuclear structure via the strong force. As our solar system and planet formed, thorium and uranium decayed and melted into our planets core, heating it and driving processes like plate tectonics.

Thorium is about three times more common than Uranium. As life evolved, protected by the Earth's magnetic field, humans began to harness the natural energies around them “Alchemy”. From stone tools to the discovery of metals like gold, bronze, and iron, human civilization slowly advanced. The 1700s marked the beginning of modern chemistry, with many elements being discovered at the Royal Institution in London.

In 1829, Swedish scientist Jöns Jakob Berzelius isolated Thorium, naming it after the Norse god of thunder.(he had no idea how perfectly he’d named element 90!) Uranium was discovered in 1841. Marie Curie's work in the late 1800s sought to understand the radioactivity of Thorium and Uranium. This led to a deeper understanding of the atom and the forces within it.

During World War II, the discovery that Uranium could be split to release energy led to the development of nuclear weapons. However, Thorium also held potential as a nuclear fuel. Glenn Seaborg's research in the 1930s and 40s revealed that Thorium could be used in reactors to produce energy efficiently and safely.

Despite the potential of Thorium, the focus of nuclear research in the post-war era was on weapons and Plutonium production. The development of Thorium reactors was sidelined in favor of other reactor designs. However, Thorium offers advantages, including reduced nuclear waste and inherent safety features.

Today, there's a need for clean, reliable energy. Thorium reactors, using fluoride salts, offer a promising solution. They can produce electricity, desalinated water, and valuable nuclear medicines. Despite challenges, the potential of Thorium as a clean energy source is undeniable.

In conclusion, each of us has a role to play in shaping the future. By harnessing the power of Thorium, we can create a sustainable energy source for generations to come.