The movie Thorium, The Far Side of Nuclear is a fascinating and informative documentary that explores the current state of nuclear power and the potential of thorium as a game-changing energy source. Starring Gilbert Johnston and Dr. David LeBlanc, two highly-respected experts in the field, the film takes a deep dive into the science and technology behind thorium, and explores the pros and cons of this alternative to traditional nuclear power.
The film starts by highlighting the urgent need for clean, reliable, and affordable energy sources. With the world population projected to reach 9 billion by 2050, the demand for energy is expected to skyrocket â making it more important than ever to find sustainable solutions that can meet this demand without damaging the environment or relying on finite resources. This sets the stage for the exploration of thorium, which is billed as a safe, cheap, and abundant alternative to uranium-based nuclear power.
Gilbert Johnston and Dr. David LeBlanc are the perfect guides for this journey into the world of thorium. Johnston is a seasoned energy executive and entrepreneur who has been working in the industry for more than 30 years. He brings his wealth of experience and knowledge to the film, providing valuable insights into the practical considerations of implementing thorium as an energy source. Dr. LeBlanc, meanwhile, is a renowned physicist and nuclear engineer who has spent decades researching and developing thorium-based nuclear reactors. He offers a deep understanding of the technical aspects of thorium, as well as its potential impact on the energy landscape.
The film covers a wide range of topics related to thorium, including its history, its potential benefits, and the challenges of bringing it to market. Viewers will learn about how thorium was first discovered in 1828 by the Swedish chemist Jöns Jakob Berzelius, and how its properties were later explored in the early 20th century by scientists such as Enrico Fermi and Glenn Seaborg. They will also discover how thorium differs from uranium in terms of its stability, safety, and waste production.
One of the main advantages of thorium over uranium is its abundance in the Earth's crust. Whereas uranium is relatively scarce, thorium is estimated to be four times more abundant, making it a potentially limitless source of energy. Thorium is also much safer than uranium, as it does not produce the same kind of radioactive waste that uranium-based reactors do. And because thorium reactors operate at much lower temperatures than uranium reactors, there is much less risk of a catastrophic meltdown or explosion.
Despite these advantages, however, there are still significant challenges to overcome in order to make thorium a viable energy source. One major issue is the lack of infrastructure and regulatory frameworks in place to support thorium-based reactors. Another challenge is the lack of public awareness and understanding of thorium, which can make it difficult to build support for the technology. The film explores these challenges in depth, and provides insights into what will need to be done in order to overcome them.
Throughout the film, viewers are treated to stunning visuals and insightful commentary from experts in the field. From shots of majestic nuclear power plants to behind-the-scenes glimpses of cutting-edge thorium research labs, the film offers a comprehensive look at the state of nuclear energy today. Viewers will come away with a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the industry â and with a renewed sense of hope that thorium may just be the key to a clean, sustainable energy future.
Thorium, The Far Side of Nuclear is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 88 hours.
