A shaping strategy to advance thorium energy acceptance globally : a social science approach to a physical science sustainable energy solution
(Book - Regular Print)

Thesis,MRSC,Green Mountain College,2016

Includes bibliographical references.

The purpose of this applied professional project is to create a shaping strategy to advance public acceptance of thorium energy as part of a broader sustainable energy future. Faced with the growing effects of energy and economic dependence on fossil fuels, decreased energy security, a changing climate and impacts on natural resources, society is confronted with a decision about our collective energy future. Thorium energy presents a safe option for providing a non-fossil fuel based, zero carbon stack emissions and scalable energy solution that complements other forms of renewable energy. Thorium as a nuclear fuel has a high safety profile and is low waste, non-carbon producing nor air polluting, efficient and offers a low risk of proliferation, especially compared to uranium. Additionally, there are myriad thorium-energy reactor designs with high levels of built-in safety features that leverage thorium's safety profile relative to traditional reactor designs.