The Thorium Molten-Salt Reactor: Why Didn't This Happen (and why is now the right time?)

Google Tech Talk
December 16, 2011

Presented by Kirk Sorensen

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• google tech talk
• energy
• nuclear energy
• thorium
• alternative energy
• LFTR
• kirk sorensen

[kirkfsorensen]

@lennyhome No conspiracy theory here. Nixon wanted a fast-breeder reactor and made it national policy. Thus when Weinberg proposed a VERY different alternative it was squashed and he was fired. Not a conspiracy, just a regrettable outcome.

[shmore]

Good editing for a google talks video, thanks.

[ClockworkGearhead]

@mgleisspersonal You're assuming China will never have to deal with their population, one day.

[raypsi1]

Gr8 video Kirk have you solved the graphite moderator trouble in the LFTR yet is copper graphite laminates the answer? Or are you moving toward graphite pellets rolling around?

[piecharthosen]

energy independence is absolutely required for a segregated country to thrive. This is very exciting.

[Av3rnus]

This will be eventually, the question is whether it will come too late.

[nicholasrnr]

@SuppenHahnBier I think the history lesson was required as a preface to the point he was trying to make. It gave substance to the last 6 minutes that, without, would have lacked a real "punch" if you will. I think it's kind of nice to hear WHY he feels its not being used today (in a discussion style) and not just a cut and dry bullet format list of reasons. But to each their own I suppose.

[OtakuBozu]

@kirkfsorensen Do the fission products from a fission by a fast-neutron differ from those of a fission by a thermal-neutron in their proportion of which isotopes of which elements get produced? I'm just curious.

[vegnagunL]

@kirkfsorensen It always deppends on how you look at it....

Conspiracies happens everywhere in families, friends etc... the word conspiracy is just used when cames to people of governament, companies, but camom we are all people...

[HyperactiveHandfull]

We are more focused on squeezing profits out of old tech, old media, and old companies to really be in a position to where we can innovate. We are too greedy and inefficient. If we let China do this first, then they deserve to have the tech rights to it.

[mgleisspersonal]

Well, everybody knows that the U.S. is finished. China is the future. If Mr. Sorensen really wants to see this happening, I would pack my bags and move to China.

[ISMOPANAMA]

@kirkfsorensen What will be a Conspiracy is if by 2020 the USA is still using these "Planet Sterilizing" power sources while China leads the way with a dozen Thorium Reactors or more. Global Elites seem to have used up the USA and it seems they are moving on to China next, leaving the once great USA in Economic/ Social/ Political shambles.

"The Dragon is Awaking while the Eagle is Starving"