R&D Planning of Thorium Fuel Pellets Fabrication Using Technology Roadmapping Technique

Increasing of the global energy demand, effects of greenhouse gases emissions and restrictions on the use of renewable energies, will inevitably lead to rise again nuclear energy in the future. Due to the importance of energy security and the sustainability of resources, better waste management, as well as the inability to use nuclear proliferation, many countries have focused on the use of Thorium fuel in the nuclear energy field. It is very difficult to select appropriate technologies and make the right decisions about investing for R & D managers and policymakers because of resource constraints. The aim of this study is to use the technology roadmapping to support the development of the Thorium fuel pellets fabrication technology planning. First, the types of technology roadmapping processes were identified and T-plan approach were selected. Next, by holding workshops and expert panels, the type of fuel pellet, mixed Thorium with 4.8% enriched Uranium oxide pellet, was selected among carbide, oxide and metal fuels and  its functional characteristics determined. Based on the technology importance, which was considered as capability and attractivity indicators, sedimentation and sol-gel methods were selected for powder production technologies, and SGMP and powder metalorgy methods were chosen because of their priorities. Finally, with the suggestion of research projects for the acquisition of technical knowledge of Thorium Fuel pellet fabrication, the technology  roadmap was developed.