Thorium

Thorium is a naturally occurring radioactive element found in small amounts in Earth's crust. It’s considered a potential fuel for nuclear reactors because it can be transformed into a fissile material called uranium-233, which can then sustain a nuclear chain reaction. Thorium offers advantages like increased safety, less long-lived radioactive waste, and abundant supply compared to uranium. However, using it for energy requires specialized reactors and technology still under development. Overall, thorium holds promise as a cleaner and more abundant nuclear energy source, but practical deployment faces scientific and regulatory challenges.