Fissioning U-238 to save billions, page 1

'Dr. Till added recent innovations to a concept that originally thrilled Enrico Fermi and the original atomic pioneers. The pioneers envisioned that by using fast neutrons instead of slow neutrons, virtually unlimited amounts of energy could be produced from limited stocks of uranium. They called this reactor a breeder since what it did was turn unfissionable U-238 into fissionable plutonium 239 thereby breeding its own fuel. Less than one percent of natural uranium is U-235. At the current rate of usage all the fissionable U-235 will be depleted in 35 years. If this new technology is implemented, uranium need not be mined for 500 years. Existing stock piles will be more than adequate.'

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Unfortunately the by product is plutonium.

[Edited on 29-11-2002 by mad scientist]

[Edited on 29-11-2002 by mad scientist]