A Canadian Perspective on Progress in Thoria Fuel Science and Technology

Thorium is anticipated to play a potentially significant role in the world’s future energy supply as the international nuclear power industry moves towards the implementation of more sustainable nuclear technologies and advanced fuel cycles. Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), formerly Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, has been investigating thorium-fuelled reactor concepts and developing thoria (thorium dioxide) fuel technology for more than 55 years, complimenting international experience in the development of thorium-based fuel cycles. Although there is a strong foundation based on past experience, gaps exist in the science and technology (S&T) required to implement the use of thorium-based fuels on an industrial scale. In this paper, progress in thoria fuel S&T is reviewed and research and development needs for the deployment of thorium-based fuel cycles (with the focus on the use of thoria, ThO2) are identified from a Canadian perspective. CNL plans to address known S&T gaps are also discussed.