The Department of Atomic Energy is planning to build a 1 giga-electron volt (GeV) particle accelerator – a machine that will help convert thorium, which is available in abundance in India, into nuclear fuel. The aim is to build a continuous wave, high-intensity proton accelerator, Quantum has learned.
Particle Accelerator
- A particle accelerator is an advanced device that makes the process of converting thorium into uranium-233 possible by moving subatomic particles (such as protons, electrons, and neutrons) at high speeds. Uranium-233 is a fissile material that can be used in nuclear reactors to generate energy.
- India currently has several particle accelerators (such as cyclotrons and synchrotrons), but all of them fall in the 30 mega electron-volt (MeV) category. Establishment of 1 GeV accelerator is a necessary step towards high energy neutron production in India.
Benefits of Thorium and India’s Outlook
- Using thorium reserves, India can further strengthen its energy security goals.
- Breeding of Uranium-233: Irradiating thorium produces uranium-233, which is in line with the three-pronged nuclear strategy. This will become a source of critical fissile material for expanding nuclear power.
- High burn-up configuration: Thorium can be combined with uranium in reactors to generate additional energy.
- High energy proton accelerator: It will be possible to breed uranium-233 by producing neutrons through 1 GeV accelerator. This technology can be used for efficient energy production through accelerator-driven subcritical reactor system (ADSS).
Second Planned Accelerator: A New Direction for Research
- 1 GeV Accelerator for Scientific Research: To study Spallation Neutron Source by producing neutrons.
- Synchrotron Radiation Source: To produce X-rays or UV light, which is beneficial for many scientific experiments.
Global Significance
- Establishment of 1 GeV particle accelerator will make India one of the few countries in the world in advanced particle accelerator technology. It will enhance India’s scientific capability as well as contribute to global energy requirements.
- ANEEL Fuel: Towards effective use of Thorium
- ANEEL (Advanced Nuclear Energy for Enriched Life) is a new fuel blend developed by Chicago-based Clean Core Thorium Energy Company. This special HALEU (High Assay Low Enriched Uranium) fuel is a combination of Thorium and Uranium.
- Suitable for Thorium-based Reactors in India: It helps in better deployment of Thorium in Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR).
- Capable of enhancing fissionability: ANEEL contains minimal amount of Uranium-235 along with Thorium, allowing it to operate more efficiently.
Advantages of Thorium-based Energy
- Reduction in Nuclear Waste: Use of ANEEL fuel reduces nuclear waste.
- Longer Lifetime: ANEEL fuel lasts longer and burns efficiently.
- Unsuitable for Weapons Use: ANEEL spent fuel is not useful for making weapons.
Infrastructure Challenges and Need for Global Collaboration
- Production of HALEU fuel is currently limited globally. Its commercial production is dominated by Russia and China. India must develop HALEU production infrastructure to leverage its Thorium reserves.
India’s Thorium Reserves: A Boundless Source of Energy
- India has the largest reserves of thorium, estimated to be 1.07 million tonnes. These reserves can meet India’s energy needs for more than a century. Monazite sand found on the beaches of Kerala is the major source of thorium.