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Storing nuclear material ('waste') is only a problem because it's not processed or exploited economically. Well, with the thorium cycle there is the possibility
by iwwr 15y ago
Storing nuclear material ('waste') is only a problem because it's not processed or exploited economically. Well, with the thorium cycle there is the possibility of burning a large proportion of existing waste and with electricity generation on the side.
This material can also be 'downblended' (the opposite process of enrichment) or simply mixed in with sea water in very small concentrations. Being long-lived radioactive sources also means the relative radioactivity (per volume) is low.
- Duff 15y agoSure, but as a competitor to this technology, that's just more to add to the cost. It will cost many billions of dollars to develop infrastructure to "downblend" waste products, build thorium reactors, litigate, etc.
- nitrogen 15y agoIt would cost more to buy enough land to build the wind turbines described in the article.