I don't understand "if" when written "if they work". Thorium works:
".. seven types of reactors that can be designed to use thorium as a nuclear fuel. The first five of these have all entered into operational service at some point."

Hi Nick,

Well, wind power works: energy can be generated from wind towers. But financial viability is also crucial: if wind-powered energy generation is ever cheaper than using fossil fuels, then it will become viable: I hope far more research funding is put into lowering its costs because we need forms of renewable energy generation to replace fossil fuels, eventually. Ditto with solar power, geothermal power, tidal power, etc.

And the same with thorium: generation energy from it may be scientifically viable, but is it financially viable ? IF so, then go for it.

IF.

Joe

Goodoh , that's 2 IFs : science , economics. Scientifically , you can burn banknotes in a steam boiler but are you a good scientist or Trump-sceptic economist?

Hi Nick,

I don't claim to be either. I'm simply (well, for most people) proposing that any alternative to fossil fuels, since they are in rampant production, needs to out-compete them on price. And that means much more research into such a vital and necessary project.

If Thorium reactors can beat renewables on price, it will be adopted in preference. But until even thorium nuclear energy generation can compete successfully with energy derived from fossil fuels, they will be preferred, economically speaking, if not morally or environmentally.

Efficient and cost-attractive renewable energy is vital for the future. But if wind-towers and solar panels are actually manufactured using fossil fuels, then we are simply pushing the issue of CO2 etc. down the road, and probably in some other country like China. Once (if) the technology can be developed to make it viable to produce the implements of renewable energy using renewable energy, then it will be able to out-compete fossil fuels.

Of course, then smart capital will flow to renewables, because that's where the money will be. If Thorium nuclear energy generation can out-compete either of those, then it will be seen as the honey pot.

Cheers,

Joe

Agreed.
But Alan has still been peddling substances with this:
"Joe, Can you imagine what that ($1.00 a year per person) .."
His cousin owns a Nigerian bank with your sister's life-insurance bonuses lottery safe-deposit urgent to my barrister.

We must not let factiness get in the way of truthiness, must we?