This is a great piece of history. The late Professor Mike Driscoll of MIT, known for his work on fission breeding (where more fuel is produced than is consumed – go figure!) asked the question of the origins of the word “breeder” to Dr. Alvin Weinberg. This is Dr. Weinberg’s response with Dr. Eugene Wigner’s handwritten addition. 12 April 1976.
More than 50 years since the MSRE ended in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA, another starts up. This time in China. Whilst Oak Ridge’s machine was 8 MWt, China’s is 2MWt. This article by Gernot Kramper was published in the German Star online magazine on September 20, 2021. Well done China.
https://www.stern.de/digital/technik/sicher–klein-und-billig—china-baut-den-ersten-thorium-reaktor–30632008.html
At The Thorium Network, we believe that the future of sustainable nuclear energy hinges not only on innovative reactor technology but also on transparent, secure, and efficient management of the Thorium fuel supply chain. To realise this vision, cutting-edge technologies like blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT) must work in harmony to transform how Thorium is tracked from mine to power plant.
Thorium’s promise as a safer, cleaner nuclear fuel depends on rigorous oversight and accountability throughout its entire lifecycle. From extraction and transportation to fuel fabrication and reactor use, every step requires precise monitoring to ensure safety, prevent diversion, and comply with international regulations.
Traditional supply chain systems, often siloed and paper-based, fall short in providing the real-time visibility and tamper-proof records essential for managing such a sensitive material. This is where blockchain technology shines.
At its core, blockchain is a distributed ledger technology (DLT) that stores information in an immutable, decentralized way. Every participant in the network holds a synchronized copy of the ledger, ensuring transparency and eliminating single points of failure. Crucially, any change to the ledger requires consensus among verified participants, making unauthorized data alteration virtually impossible.
For Thorium supply chains, a permissioned blockchain model is ideal. This restricts access to trusted entities—such as authorized miners, transporters, regulators, and power plant operators—while maintaining full visibility and accountability. Platforms like Hyperledger Fabric, NEM Enterprise, Corda, and Credits offer the modularity, privacy, and scalability necessary for such enterprise-grade solutions.
Blockchain’s immutable records are only as good as the data fed into them. To ensure accurate, real-time tracking, IoT devices are integrated into Thorium containers and transport vehicles. These include:
These devices continuously upload verified data to the blockchain, enabling stakeholders to receive instant alerts about any deviations or security breaches.
Smart contracts—self-executing code embedded on the blockchain—automate complex business rules and compliance checks. For example, payments to freight providers can be automatically triggered upon verified delivery, or audits can be initiated when certain conditions are met. This reduces paperwork, minimizes human error, and accelerates operational workflows.
Imagine a shipment of Thorium leaving a mine site, sealed in an air-tight container equipped with IoT sensors. Each event—loading, transit updates, driver changes, arrival at the power plant—is recorded on the blockchain with precise timestamps and unique asset IDs. This creates a permanent, tamper-proof audit trail accessible to all authorized parties.
Integration with existing enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems via APIs further streamlines data flow, enabling seamless coordination across the supply chain ecosystem.
While blockchain alone cannot guarantee provenance, when combined with AI, IoT, and robust operational and legal frameworks, it creates a trustless environment where transparency, security, and efficiency coexist. This holistic approach is essential for Thorium’s role in the global transition to sustainable nuclear energy.
At The Thorium Network, we are committed to advancing this vision by developing and supporting decentralized blockchain platforms that empower communities, regulators, and industry players alike. Together, we can unlock Thorium’s full potential as a safe, scalable, and clean energy source for generations to come.
Join us in pioneering the future of nuclear energy traceability.
Explore more at TheThorium.Network and be part of the decentralised energy revolution.
This article leverages the detailed technical insights from the Oodles post while framing them within The Thorium Network’s broader mission and ecosystem, creating a unique, authoritative, and forward-looking narrative.
#blockchain #Thorium #nuclear
This is page is where our news articles will be published. Those related to our project, and those related to the industries we work in.
There’s quite a lot going on from Rare Earths mining and processing, Fluorination of fuels, to Molten Salt Modelling Technology, to regulations and new laws from around the world.