Advanced fusion technology in a future nuclear energy system

Abstract

The paper is concerned with an alternative to the existing concept of expanding the nuclear energy fuel resources in terms of fissile isotopes by producing 233U from 232Th in fusion reactor blankets. The new concept offers several advantages, including a substantial decrease in the risks of environmental pollution due to the low radioactivity of the recycled fuel. The study focuses on several scenarios for the development and use of a new fissile isotope in thermal neutron spectrum reactors (pressurized water reactors) and demonstrates the possibility of closing the fuel cycle in a system of thermal reactors with a fusion neutron source using heavy nuclei.