Program of Research and Development on the THORIUM UTILIZATION IN PWRS : Final Report (1979-1988)

Detailed investigations performed for a standard 1,300 MW$_{e}$ PWR show that (Th,U)O$_{2}$ and (Th,Pu)O$_{2}$ fuels can be inserted in 3 and 4 cycle operating schemes without modifications in the fuel assembly or core design. The most important aspects of the fuel cycle have been covered. Ex-gel pelletizing of (Th,U)O$_{2}$ fuel making use of available LWR and HTR fuel manufacturing technology was demonstrated. The most promising applicationfor Th-based fuels at present was proved to be the use of recycle plutonium in extended burnup once-through fuel cycle. The program was performed in a cooperative way between Brazilian and German partners.