• Question: Why are uranium reactors, not thorium reactors used for nuclear fission? Thorium reactors are easier to start up and shut down so why aren't they used?

    Asked by to Saiful, Paul, Olivia, Oli, Meggi, Bethan, Hannah, Jenny, Laurence on 3 Jan 2017. This question was also asked by Mod - Shane.
    • Photo: Oli Weber

      Oli Weber answered on 3 Jan 2017:


      I think we’ll see thorium reactors, there is development especially in India and China, but the reasons we don’t have them are largely historical / political. Uranium reactors were developed first, and as a result people continue to do what they’re already familiar with. It’s no small undertaking to develop a new nuclear technology. Also the least appealing thing about some uranium reactors, being able to make material for nuclear weapons, is actually part of the reason they were developed, as different powers wanted to possess nuclear weapons and still do.

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