Abstract:

Energy education is the key to our future. The challenge of our times is to discover ways to develop a positive global change to our world's energy requirements without damaging the environment's fragile ecological status. This presentation will explain a safer, cost and fuel efficiency of nuclear energy to more effectively ensure the survival and advancement of modern day life. The production of nuclear energy through the use of thorium fuel is a sustainable source without the massive pollution of fossil fuels that have been shown to be detrimental to our environment.

This presentation will examine course materials for students whose interest and specialty areas focus on Nuclear Science and Engineering and/or High Temperature Chemistry. The technology associated with Thorium Energy also includes the topic of Metallurgy. Additionally, Electronics and their connection to controls and sensors will be discussed as these relate to the Mechanics and building construction skills that are required for special concrete and structures to accommodate a molten salt reactor. Given projections that there will be a serious lack of food and water resources in the future, energy advancements through the use of thorium alternatives may contribute to the production of processing both water desalination and electricity culminating in a reduced global competition and conflict for the distribution of basic resources.

For this presentation, an overview will demonstrate the core technological operations of the Molten Salt Reactor including safety, cost factors, and efficiencies that existing light water reactor technologies have not yet met. Consequently, educational curriculum needs to be updated and improved to explore this thorium-based source of nuclear energy with the incorporation of supplemental recently published materials on this topic. In this manner, science educators and students may become aware of nuclear thorium based opportunities to create a revitalized global environment for future generations.

Keywords:

Thorium Energy, Nuclear Science and Engineering, Molten Salt Reactor, Global Environment, High Temperature Chemistry.