Thorium Reactors: A Safer Future for Nuclear Power

Thorium-232 is a fertile element that can be converted into fissile uranium-233.
Thorium is three to four times more abundant in Earth’s crust than uranium.
Unlike uranium, thorium cannot sustain a chain reaction on its own.
Molten salt reactors are often proposed as the best design for thorium fuel.
Thorium reactors produce less long-lived radioactive waste than uranium ones.
They offer lower risk of nuclear weapons proliferation compared to plutonium fuel cycles.
Thorium fuel cycles run at atmospheric pressure, reducing meltdown risks.
Countries like India and China are investing heavily in thorium reactor research.
Thorium reactors could provide cleaner, safer, and more sustainable nuclear power.
While promising, thorium technology still faces engineering and economic hurdles before widespread use.