How Thorium-Based Molten Salt Reactors Can Provide Clean, Safe, and Cost-Effective Technology for Deep-Sea Shipping
Jan Emblemsvåg
Abstract
Abstract Deep-sea shipping is one of the major polluters in the world. Unlike for smaller ships, there is currently no feasible and competitive alternative for deep-sea shipping. This fleet uses large, two-stroke engines running on heavy fuel oil (HFO), which in total produce more pollution than all of Germany combined. It is therefore desirable to find a better technology to power these large ships, and a thorium-based molten salt reactor (TMSR) is suggested here. Not only is this technology safe and clean, but it is also extremely powerful allowing these large vessels to run for years without refueling. The question is “What are the economics?” This paper will investigate the comparative costs of TMSR compared to the two-stroke HFO technology, including the uncertainties that exist. The purpose of the paper is to primarily provide a conceptual, economic feasibility study to provide an impetus for future research so that this power source can one day become a reality.