Elements: Thorium
This radioactive metal holds the promise of thousands of years of energy for the world. But is it really any cleaner or safer than traditional uranium-based nuclear power?
This radioactive metal holds the promise of thousands of years of energy for the world. But is it really any cleaner or safer than traditional uranium-based nuclear power?
Chemistry Professor Andrea Sella of University College London takes the helm, as he speaks to no less than three nuclear physicists in his quest to discover whether thorium will deliver that godlike bolt of electricity, or just remain a nebulous dream.
Prof Bob Cywinski of the University of Sheffield is a fan, whereas Dr Arjun Makhijani of the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research is decidedly not.
Meanwhile India presses ahead with its now 60-year-old thorium energy programme, as former nuclear chief Anil Kakodkar explains.
(Picture: Human hand holding lightning; Credit: Sergey Nivens/Thinkstock)
Last on
Broadcasts
- Wed 14 Sep 2016 07:32GMT91热爆 World Service except News Internet
- Wed 14 Sep 2016 15:06GMT91热爆 World Service except East and Southern Africa, News Internet & West and Central Africa
Podcast
-
Business Daily
The daily drama of money and work from the 91热爆.