CROATIAN CENTER of RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES: Why Thorium Could Power the Future

Saturday, August 30, 2025

Why Thorium Could Power the Future

What is Thorium and Why is it "Next-Gen" for Power?

Thorium (Th-232) is a naturally occurring, mildly radioactive metal that's more abundant than uranium (about 3-4 times more common in Earth's crust) and produces less long-lived radioactive waste when used in nuclear reactions.

Unlike traditional uranium-based nuclear reactors, thorium can be used in advanced reactor designs like molten salt reactors (MSRs) or liquid fluoride thorium reactors (LFTRs), which are considered "next-generation" (Gen IV) nuclear tech.

These designs promise:Safer operation: Thorium reactors can't easily "melt down" because the fuel is already in a molten state, and they have passive safety features that shut down reactions if things go wrong.

Higher efficiency: They can "breed" more fuel than they consume (using thorium to produce uranium-233), potentially running for decades on a small amount of fuel.

Less waste: Waste is shorter-lived (hundreds of years vs. thousands for uranium) and produces fewer weapons-grade byproducts.

Clean energy potential: Near-zero carbon emissions, making it a bridge to renewables for baseload power (e.g., powering cities or data centers without fossil fuels).

Thorium isn't new—it's been researched since the 1950s—but recent advancements in materials science and funding have made it viable for commercial "next-gen power supplies." No full-scale thorium power plants are operational yet (as of 2025), but prototypes and pilots are progressing rapidly.

Key Developments in Thorium Next-Gen Power (as of August 30, 2025)Here's a rundown of the most promising projects and companies pushing thorium forward. These are based on ongoing global efforts, with a focus on scalability for power grids, EVs, or even small modular reactors (SMRs) as "power supplies" for remote or industrial use.

Global Momentum: As of mid-2025, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reports over 20 countries (including the US, UK, and Japan) investing in thorium R&D. The US Department of Energy allocated $100M+ in 2024 for Gen IV tech, including thorium pilots via companies like TerraPower (Bill Gates-backed, though more sodium-focused, with thorium explorations).

Challenges remain: High startup costs (~$5-10B for a full plant) and regulatory hurdles, but falling material costs (thorium is ~$30/kg) make it competitive with renewables.

Pros for Power Supply Use: Thorium reactors could provide reliable, 24/7 "power supplies" for EVs (e.g., charging grids), ships, or space missions (NASA has eyed thorium for lunar bases). Output is scalable from 1 MW micro-reactors to 1 GW+ plants.

Cons & Controversies: Still nuclear, so waste and proliferation risks exist (though lower than uranium). Public opposition in some regions due to Fukushima memories. No meltdowns, but initial fuel processing requires uranium kickstarters.

Is Thorium the Future of Power Supplies?Absolutely promising for next-gen needs—it's not hype; prototypes are proving it works. By 2030, we could see thorium powering entire cities cleanly. If you're thinking of it for personal/small-scale "power supply" (e.g., home generators), that's not feasible yet—stick to solar/batteries for now.

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Zeljko Serdar

	Meet a fearless child, a revolutionary teen, an irreverent youth, father of 2, entrepreneur, blogger, investor, humanitarian, president and CEO at CCRES Dedicated to advancing energy efficiency as a means of promoting both economic prosperity and environmental protection.Working to harvest this knowledge. The pioneering experience of corporations, governments and financiers will be captured, analyzed and made available for others to learn from. HRVATSKI CENTAR OBNOVLJIVIH IZVORA ENERGIJE
	HCOIE

	Edukacija i savjetovanje o korištenju obnovljivih izvora energije organiziranjem tečajeva, radionica, tribina, seminara, kongresa i drugih skupova te putem medija; suradnja s domaćim i međunarodnim institucijama u svezi obnovljenih izvora energije; povezivanje gospodarstvenika, znanstveno-istraživačkih institucija, lokalnih zajednica, tijela državne uprave i ostalih subjekata na projektima koji koriste obnovljive izvore energije.

Project CCRES AQUAPONICS

Course Overview: Whether you are a beginner, a backyard hobbyist, a homesteader or a skilled professional wanting to start a career in Aquaponics this course has something to offer. This course is intended to provide people with the best all inclusive training, hands-on experience and cutting edge methods of Permaculture based Aquaponics available anywhere! Wether you want to grow food for you and your family, a small business or a fully commercial operation this course will be sure to give you the tools, information and experience you will need to be successful in what ever Aquaponic endeavor you are interested in. At a time of global climate change, depletion of resources, pollution of water and huge losses of top soil worldwide, there has never been a more important time to learn about CCRES Aquaponics!“Imagine a technology that produces healthy organic food, clean water, and renewable energy all at the same time. We call it CCRES AQUAPONICS,”

PROJECT CCRES SPIRULINA

The ongoing support from the private investment community speaks to how strongly they believe in the development of Green Crude as an alternative fuel resource, especially ability to commercialize it,” CCRES. Few consider seaweeds as a viable source of energy and protein for terrestrial animals (at least until their cost becomes more attractive). Macro-algae have been shown, however, to possess several functional properties, including those of a functional fiber, with immune-stimulating and prebiotic effects. Today, marine algal extracts are used as an additive in pig and poultry diets with promising results. Furthermore, micro-algae have been shown to contain high levels of beneficial lipids that can be used in layer and sow diets as a source of omega-3 fatty acids. Finally, both types of algae are used as an active component in clay-based anti-mycotoxin agents. For example, the treatment of clay with a macro-algal extract has been shown to increase the reactive surface of clay up to eight times. Croatian Center of Renewable Energy Sources (CCRES) offers several solutions that support the nutritional part of the production system. CCRES solutions combine algae feed additive products with their services, e.g. gut quality scoring, product application systems and customised dosing advice.

PROJECT CCRES ALGAE BIOFUEL

Given the right conditions, algae can double its volume overnight. Microalgae are the earth’s most productive plants –– 10 to 15 times more prolific in biomass than the fastest growing land plant exploited for biofuel production. While soy produces some 50 gallons of oil per acre per year; canola, 150 gallons; and palm, 650 gallons, algae can produce up to 15,000 gallons per acre per year. In addition, up to 50 percent (or more) of algae biomass (dry weight) is comprised of oil, whereas oil-palm trees—currently the most efficient large-scale source of feedstock oil to make biofuels—yield approximately 20 percent of their weight in oil.

CCRES Research facility, Sveti Rok, Croatia

Project Type Rural, Intentional Communities, Community, Demonstration, Educational Project Summary At the CCRES Research Facility, we are working with farmers who are converting their working farmland into agroforestry operations. The CCRES Program addresses the need to better understand and implement agroforestry practices on a commercial scale. As these operations grow, so too will the need for industrial infrastructure and support. Project Description The apprentice roles at CCRES Research facility, in Sveti Rok, Croatia are suited to folks who are dedicating their lives to a career in regenerative agriculture. Whilst this farm is a bustling hub for learning and practice, we expect high standards in both work ethic and your ability to work as a beneficial team member. We work, live, learn and play together in quite close quarters during the season, and your attitude and aptitude are the most important qualities behind getting the most from this experience. People that get the most from their time with us tend to have the “get it done” attitude, are self-starting, communicative, teachable, positive solutions focused, dependable and take-responsibility for what they are managing. We are looking for very pragmatic folks that are good with their hands and tools, who are situationally aware and ready to get their hands dirty wherever needed on the farm. Environmental impact Less human influence means natural processes have a chance to help improve the natural environment and restore nature. Wildlife species can come back and experience less conflict with humans, and food chains can restore. Dynamic, mosaic landscapes can develop driven by large herbivores and large carnivores, supporting species of a wide range of open/semi-open habitats. Socio-economic impact New businesses can be developed based on wilder landscapes and wildlife comeback, offering new and different products. Provision of new job and income opportunities. Social coherence and local society can be enhanced if new local businesses build networks and generate multiplier effects. Reduced dependency on subsidies. Cultural impact Younger people and families returning to the countryside looking for new opportunities, bringing new life into rural communities. Local/regional branding of areas and products providing new identities and local pride that are nature/wildlife related. Cultural heritage and traditional skills reinvigorated and in a different setting.

Interview with Mr Zeljko Serdar, CCRES

PROGRAM BENEFITS FOR PROTÉGÉ A Protégé receives a wide range of business development help from their Mentor, including: Technical, financial management, and developmental assistance to gain the knowledge, skills, and capabilities Advice and mentorship on program and project management, information technology, business equipment, and workspaces; Long-term relationships with small and/or large businesses to form teaming arrangements and/or joint ventures. PROGRAM BENEFITS FOR MENTOR There are many benefits for a Mentor helping a Protégé develop their business, including: Helping small businesses and minority institutions of higher learning expand their capacity through developmental and technical assistance; Utilizing the unique/specialized skills of the Protégé and shortening the learning curve of bringing on a new subcontractor; Identifying subcontractors and streamlining the procurement process. page 62-63

CROATIAN CENTER of RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES

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Saturday, August 30, 2025

Why Thorium Could Power the Future

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