Advisory group meeting on the Th fuel cycle perspectives

Abstract

Brazilian systematic investigations on the use of thorium fuel cycles in nuclear power reactors started in 1965. During the 60's and early 70's the work was mainly concentrated on the thorium utilization in heavy water reactorsd (HWRs). This work was performed in the framework of a cooperation agreement with the French CEA. In the frame of the International Nuclear Fuel Cycle program, Brazil started in 1979 an R and D program on the thorium utilization in pressurized water reactors (PWRs), within the scope of a Brazil-German cooperation agreement. This program lasted for almost ten years. The activities of both programs were performed at the CDTN Nuclear Technology Development Center, in Belo Horizonte. More recently two Brazilian institutions restarted again investigations on the thorium fuel cycle. At CNEN, work is being pursued to further investigate the possible.