What's at the forefront of reactor research? A must-read digest/discussion.

[kristopher]

15. 2011 MIT meta-analysis on which nuclear technology is recommended

For the next several decades, light water reactors using the once-through fuel cycle are the preferred option for the U.S. (pg. 1)
(The "once-through fuel cycle" refers to uranium, not thorium - k)

LWRs (light water reactors) will be the primary reactor choice for many decades and likely the dominant reactor for the remainder of this century. (pg. 4)

Fuel cycle transitions require a half century or more. It is likely to be several decades before the U.S. deploys alternative fuel cycles. (pg. 5)

Our analysis of thorium versus uranium fuel cycles (appendix a) found advantages and disadvantages for both fuel cycles—but the differences were not sufficient to fundamentally alter conclusions. (pg. 17)