Perspectives of Thorium-based spent fuel reprocessing

Closed fuel cycle is the best option for application of thorium fuel, in view of sustainable development of nuclear energy, but reprocessing technology of Th-based spent fuel is an important restraining factor. Thorex process developed by ORNL is the only possible process to be applied in commercial plant, though there are many problems to be solved. Some countries including America, India, Russia and Germany are experienced in the reprocessing of Th-based spent fuel. Some research areas for Th-based fuel reprocessing are suggested based on the current status of thorium-uranium fuel cycle and problems in reprocessing, which may help accumulate experience for possible commercial application of thorium-based fuel in future. (authors)