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Written question asked by Kerry McCarthy (Labour) on Wednesday, 27 June 2018, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 2 July 2018 (named day). It was answered by Lord Harrington of Watford (Conservative) on Monday, 2 July 2018 on behalf of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Thorium

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to p2 of Small nuclear power: Government response to the Fourth Report of the Energy and Climate Change Committee 2014-15, HC 1105, what further analysis has been undertaken to understand the implications on waste management and disposal of using thorium fuels; and if he will commission a study to confirm the potential benefits of thorium in the longer-term and how any potential barriers to its use might be overcome.

Answer

No further analysis has been undertaken to understand the implications on waste management and disposal of using thorium fuels. There are currently no plans to commission a study to confirm the potential benefits of thorium in the longer-term and how any potential barriers to its use might be overcome.

The successful bidders for Phase 1 of the Advanced Modular Reactor Feasibility & Development Programme were announced on 28th June. It should be noted that none of the eight designs that will be given an opportunity to demonstrate the technical and commercial feasibility of their designs plan to use thorium fuels.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
158186
Session
2017-19
Subjects
Nuclear power Waste management Thorium
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk