To meet its rapidly growing energy demand, some opine that India should pursue research and development on thorium as the future fuel of nuclear energy. In this context, what advantage does thorium hold over uranium?

Correct Option (D)

Statement 1 is correct. Thorium is significantly more abundant in the Earth's crust compared to uranium. Global estimates suggest thorium is approximately three to four times more plentiful. India possesses substantial reserves of thorium, primarily found in monazite sands along its coastal regions, which is a key factor in its potential as a future nuclear fuel source for the nation.

Statement 2 is correct. Thorium has the potential to generate more energy per unit mass of mined mineral than natural uranium. This is because thorium-232, a fertile material, can be converted into fissile uranium-233 in a reactor. Nearly 100% of the thorium-232 can be utilized in this process, whereas natural uranium contains only about 0.7% of the fissile uranium-235 isotope, with the rest being non-fissile uranium-238.

Statement 3 is correct. Thorium-based nuclear fuel cycles are anticipated to produce less long-lived radioactive waste compared to conventional uranium-based reactors. Furthermore, the fissile uranium-233 produced from thorium has a waste profile that is considered less conducive to nuclear weapons proliferation, offering a potential advantage in terms of nuclear security and waste management.

Incorrect Options

Options 1, 2, and 3 are incorrect because all three statements accurately describe advantages of thorium over uranium as a nuclear fuel. Therefore, the option encompassing all three statements is the correct choice.