Forum to explore thorium as abundant source of clean energy
Clean Nuclear Energy: Thorium 2006
DBI, a California-based aerospace company involved in the research and development of thorium-fueled reactors, will host a forum on Thursday, November 30, from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the National Press Club in Washington, DC, on thorium as an abundant source of clean energy to meet the world's growing energy needs.
The forum will address the role of thorium in three key areas: the environmental benefits of thorium; the safety and national security aspects of thorium; and the economic benefits and commercial applications of thorium. A detailed agenda and list of speakers can be found below.
WHO: DBI, a California-based company established in 1965 and involved in the research and development of thorium-fueled reactors joined by Thorium Power, Ltd., of Virginia
WHAT: Forum on thorium as an alternative source of clean nuclear energy
WHERE: National Press Club 529 14th Street, N.W. Holeman Lounge (13th Floor)
WHEN: Thursday, November 30, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Members of the media who would like to attend the forum or arrange interviews with the speakers in advance of the forum may contact Robin Buckley at 703.533.9805. or robin@buckleykaldenbach.com for more information.
Agenda
Clean Nuclear Energy: Thorium 2006
10:00 a.m. Welcome and Introduction (Moderator Dr. James Olds)
10:15 a.m. Keynote: Global Energy Overview (Dr. Sterling Bailey) Dr. Bailey will offer a synopsis of the current global energy situation and explore the limitations and disadvantages of current energy sources. Dr. Bailey will discuss why thorium is a feasible alternative to current energy sources due to its abundance, environmental benefits, and national security advantages.
11:00 a.m. Environmental Benefits of Thorium (Dr. Jeffery Latkowski) While current nuclear technology does not affect the global climate, the environmental costs of the uranium oxide fuel have been a significant public concern. This session will provide an overview of the environmental benefits of thorium vis-а-vis current nuclear technology.
11:45 a.m. Lunch
12:30 p.m. Thorium's Role in Safety and National Security (Dr. Andrey Mushakov, Dr. Kenneth Ricci) One of the critical advantages of thorium over uranium is the reduction in radioactive waste available for nuclear proliferation. A 2000 report by the International Atomic Energy Agency outlined the benefits thorium offers in contrast to uranium. This session will provide an overview of thorium and nuclear waste, and will spotlight how two companies are addressing this issue in both the U.S. and Russia.
2:00 p.m. Economic Benefits and Commercial Applications of Thorium (H.A. D'Auvergne) For decades scientists have recognized thorium's usefulness as a fuel, but until recently the technology and economics to make a transition to thorium as a viable energy alternative did not exist. Today, companies such as DBI and Thorium Power Ltd. are leading the way in developing commercial applications for thorium as a viable energy alternative. This session will explore these new technologies and their commercial applications.
