thermal breeder reactor

A thermal breeder reactor is a type of nuclear reactor that produces more fissionable material than it consumes. Unlike conventional reactors that primarily use uranium-235, thermal breeders utilize thorium-232. This fertile material is converted into uranium-233, which can then sustain a chain reaction.1

Thermal breeder reactors are simpler in design than fast breeder reactors and use ordinary water as a coolant to manage the heat generated by fission. An experimental design, the liquid fluoride thorium reactor (LFTR), uses molten fluoride salt for heat transfer and does not require traditional fuel rods. These reactors are designed to extend the availability of nuclear fuel for energy generation.1