Near Term and Promising Long Term Options for the Deployment of Thorium Based Nuclear Energy

This publication summarizes the results of an IAEA coordinated research project focussed on options for the deployment of thorium based nuclear energy. The enhanced capabilities of thorium based fuels for high conversion ratio fuel cycles, improved inherent safety characteristics, reduced minor actinide production are presented. The report highlights reactor systems for thorium deployment, thorium fuel cycle implementation scenarios, thermo-physical properties and irradiation performances of thorium based oxide fuels.