THORIUM AS AN ENERGY SOURCE - Opportunities for Norway ...

Research, Development, Education and Training
and energy (SAFE). The cyclotron is used in various fields of research and in isotope production
for medical use in collaboration with IFE and the national hospital (Rikshospitalet HF). The main
nuclear research projects, including international collaborating groups, are methods and
equipment to measure data that can be used to measure nuclear reaction cross sections for
neutrons and for transmutation reactions. Recently a formal cooperation with IFE has been
initiated, centred on these types of projects.
The research groups for material sciences at NTNU and UiO have both equipment and
competence to perform relevant material studies for nuclear systems and safety.
In general, Norway today has few advantages in the field of nuclear energy, and is totally
dependent on international cooperation. Cooperation within the OECD Halden Reactor Project is
a possible starting point, but it is critically important to have other formal contacts with the
international society.
Calculations and tests indicate that the Canadian heavy water reactor CANDU is close to
producing as much U-233 from thorium as it consumes. Today somewhat more than 40 heavy
water power reactors are operating in the world, of which about twenty are located in Canada. It
is reasonable to assume that the competence within IFE, Halden could be used for relevant tests
and model calculations in a possible further development in this area. Development of a reactor
and a fuel cycle where the production of U-233 is at least as high as the consumption is a
prerequisite to use thorium efficiently in a reactor. Regardless of which reactor type is chosen, it
will be necessary to reprocess the spent fuel to achieve this goal.
Despite the fact that Norway has no commercial nuclear power plant, there is much competence
in Norway concerning safety. This is partly due to the safety philosophy that has characterized
the constructions in the North Sea, and the experience gained from accidents in the area.
Furthermore, the OECD Halden Reactor Project is an important actor in the field of nuclear
safety, both through the ongoing fuel research at the reactor, and through studies of the interplay
between humans and technology in advanced laboratories where the effect of different systems
and operator aids in simulated accident scenarios can be evaluated. The usefulness of the work
within the Halden Reactor Project can be seen at Kola, where the safety of the Russian reactors
has been significantly improved with the assistance of the Project.
Det Norske Veritas (DNV) and Scandpower Risk Management have relevant know-how in the
fields of risk analysis, safety improvements and safety culture.
Research within nuclear chemistry, radiochemistry and radiation protection is performed by
several groups at NTNU, UiO and UMB. This research includes measurements and analysis of
background radiation from natural and from man made sources; the use of radiation in several
fields; and basic research on the interaction of ionizing radiation with biological systems on the
molecular level. The latter is also related to medical use of radiation and has an important impact
on the advancement of dosimetry and safety regulations.
In addition, radioecology is a key research field at UMB, where environmental impact and risks
associated with manmade and naturally occurring radionuclides are assessed.
11.5 Education in Nuclear Technology
The renewed interest in nuclear energy has promoted important efforts in nuclear education in
many countries. This means that Norwegian students can obtain suitable education at several
locations.
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