Rory O’Sullivan is a 29 year old Irish Engineer, and is the lead engineer on Energy Process Developments.
Liquid Fueled molted reactors (thorium) are the subject of the company’s focus. Fascinating to see where this technology is in 10 years time. From Energy Process Developments:
It is widely accepted that the safe harnessing of energy from nuclear fission is a necessary component of a rational and sustainable energy policy. A central concern for the feasibility study reported here is the problem of finding the most suitable way of effectively and safely doing this. Liquid-fuelled molten salt reactors have been recognised as an excellent solution. China alone has initiated a major programme to pursue this opportunity. Past reviews have concluded that MSRs are many years away from implementation. The study undertaken for this report indicates that, following a decade of work, several small to medium developers – without need for more science – claim they are ready now with proposals for the next step to implementation, namely engineering design to prepare the safety case and to proceed to design and build. Six specific proposals have been reviewed for this study. These proposal assessments are the core substance of this study, with one proposal identified for development in the UK, the Stable Salt Reactor. This study originated with a concern that current nuclear new build projects appear to be locked into the original solid-fuelled reactor technology. Since the 1970s the industry has lacked innovation. By increasing regulation and subsequent cost the result is an expensive energy source. The proposals considered for this study are for inherently safe efficient liquid-fuelled reactors which have the potential to be engineered to compete with fossil fuel prices. This solution needs to be conveyed with the help of this report to interested members of the public, institutions, the media, and to decision makers both in Government and in industry. The opportunity to carry out this study owes a lot to Innovate UK funding and to voluntary contributions from individual engineers, consultancies and academics. An opinion poll carried out for this study helped identify public concerns and aspirations of those supporting more nuclear power. The media and institutions have been involved where good relations have developed. The team has been invited to present the progress of the study across the UK and internationally.
