Feasibility Study on Smooth Shift from LWR to THORIMS-NES; a Mass Balance Calculation of Fissile Materials and Minor Actinide

Abstract

Nuclear energy is reconsidered against global warming but the concerns (nuclear proliferation, radioactive waste, safety etc.) make it difficult to apply widely in the world. To comprehensively solve these difficulties, we have proposed Th-²³³U fuel cycle named THORIMS-NES (Thorium molten-salt nuclear energy synergetics). We calculated the mass balance of fissile materials and the production of minor actinide (MA) governing major part of radioactive waste for evaluating the smooth shift to Th-²³³U fuel cycle. Th-²³³U fuel cycle can generate 3 TWe at around 2050 and 10 TWe at around the end of this century by applying Pu obtained from spent nuclear fuel of conventional nuclear system and ²³³U produced by Accelerator Molten-Salt Breeders (AMSB).