American engineers from Laser Power Systems are working on creating a fundamentally new type of power plant, where thorium will be used as an energy source. This rare-earth element is characterized by high density and, as a result, a colossal energy reserve. Just one gram of this metal can provide as much energy as can be obtained from 28 thousand liters of gasoline. And eight grams of thorium is enough to fuel a car for a whole century.
Among other things, thorium does not emit carbon dioxide, but it is slightly radioactive, which is why it is also considered a promising material for nuclear energy. The question of how exactly the safety of the driver and all vehicle systems will be ensured remains open — the company does not share details. However, it notes that thorium is not capable of spontaneously initiating a chain nuclear reaction without certain conditions arising.
This is not the first time American manufacturers have shown interest in thorium. Back in 2009, at the Chicago Auto Show, Cadillac presented the World Thorium Fuel Concept, which used this element as fuel.
Recall that earlier AvtoPortal reported that Ukrainian cars would become more expensive due to the introduction of the Euro-4 environmental standard.
