A workshop arranged by The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters (Groups 8 Technological sciences, 3 Geological sciences, 2 Physics) and the Norwegian Nuclear Research Centre (NNRC)
The debate on whether Norway should adopt nuclear energy has been receiving an increasing amount of attention. Technological developments in nuclear energy combined with a desire for emission-free and stable energy sources that can help address the climate crisis have been fuelling this discussion.
In addition, a number of private actors in collaboration with Norwegian municipalities have plans for the establishment of nuclear power production. However, if Norway was to go nuclear, what would this potential nuclear future look like? Given Norway’s rich thorium resources, what role might thorium play?
To address these questions, we will bring together a broad range of stakeholders, covering academia, authorities and industry, to exchange views and participate in facilitated discussion. Short presentations will address the role of thorium in nuclear industry and its asset as a Norwegian resource; invited presentations from international experts will provide general perspectives on ‘new nuclear’ from other countries.
In addition to plenary presentations, the workshop will include small break-out group discussion sessions to map out the potential benefits, opportunities and challenges, and to identify areas of consensus and dissent between participants. Summaries of lectures and key conclusions from discussions will be published in a workshop report. All participants will have the opportunity to read and comment on the workshop report before publication.
Chair: Deborah Oughton, NMBU (Leader Group 8)
Co-chairs: Arne Brataas, NTNU (Leader Group 2) & Bjørn Jamtveit, UiO (Leader Group 3).
Topics to be discussed
• Nuclear legacy in Norway
• U or Th fuel? When cheap U from friendly countries is not available
• Reactor technology - Generation III+/IV reactors with U and Th
• Molten Salt Reactors (full scale – China, India) or small modular (e.g. Copenhagen Atomics) • SMR in general: U or Th
• Potential Thorium reserves in Norway - Links to REE mining
• Th and U cycles, front and back end
• Nuclear driven ships/vehicles
• U and Th being exploited in pharma/medicine
• Nuclear Risks, Security and Proliferation
You will find further details and current programme linked here.
Participation in this workshop is by invitation only. If you are interested in attending, please contact Deborah Oughton at: deborah.oughtonATnmbu.no.