NEXT-GENERATION NUCLEAR REACTOR

Could molten thorium be the future of nuclear power?

- WORDS SCOTT DUTFIELD

Around nine per cent of the world's electricity comes from just 440 nuclear power reactors. Each one relies on energy emitted from a nuclear fission reaction, typically generated by a 'fissile' material such as uranium or plutonium. When bombarded with subatomic particles called neutrons, the atoms of fissile materials are broken apart into two smaller nuclei. The energy byproduct of the reaction is harnessed to generate electricity for us to charge our smartphones and keep the lights on. However, there's a slightly radioactive material called thorium that could change nuclear energy production in a major way.