1. Energy Security and Potential for Thorium Pacific Operational S&T Conference 21 March 2012 Kevin Stull Science Advisor, Office of Naval Research Global

2. Problem Statement Increasing Demand for Energy and Competition for Natural Resources Effects of Pollution and Climate Change on Regions and Potential Population Displacement Future Security Risks and Potential Conflicts Driven by the following factors and macro-trends in the World:

3. Energy Factors - by 2030 1.4 B - Population Growth 40% - Increase in Global Energy Demand All from Developing World - Half from China & India 81% of Energy from Fossil Fuels Proven Oil Reserves Depleted within 45 years (from today)

4. Oil Price Shock Impacts on Region PACOM AOR Disproportionately Affected

5. Environmental Factors Source: www.pmel.noaa.gov

7. US Energy Demand (2008)

8. DoD Dependence on Petroleum Up to 77% of DoD’s energy needs from Petroleum “…the petroleum needed to operate DoD assets may not remain affordable or even reliably available for the lifespan of these systems…” “DoD should ensure that it can operate ALL of its systems on non-petroleum fuels by 2040” Source: Center for a New American Security, “Fueling the Future Force, Preparing the DoD for a Post- Petroleum Era”, Sept 2010

9. DoD Operational Energy “…energy security is important to NATIONAL SECURITY” “The cost of America’s national energy consumption, particularly oil, is too high…the DoD has an opportunity to reduce these costs, both in terms of real spending, and in LEADING THE WAY FOR THE NATION.” “…The DoD’s current energy consumption patterns are inconsistent with national strategic goals…including by reducing the nation’s dependence on oil and TRANSFORMING THE US ENERGY ECONOMY” The DoD has an interest in long-term national security and should take steps to WORK WITH OTHER FEDERAL AGENCIES AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR to diversify and secure fuel supplies” Source: DoD “Energy for the Warfighter, Operational Energy Strategy” May 2011

10. Alternate Energy Form Needed, that is Energy dense and abundant Demonstrated technology Efficient and Safe operation Barriers to weaponization and proliferation Carbon neutral Minimal waste by-products Silver Bullet? Maybe…

11. Thorium?

12. Thorium Molten Salt Reactor Technology Invented and demonstrated at Oak Ridge National Lab in 60s Tremendous advantages over traditional Uranium fuel cycle for generating power DoD and civilian applications should be explored Currently no S&T investments being made in this technology…

13. Summary DoD (our country, and world) need better source of energy Status quo is not a viable option Thorium represents an attractive alternative to traditional energy sources and should be aggressively pursued through multi-agency and even international partnerships Potential game changing benefits if successful More details from Mr. Kirk Sorensen… Kevin Stull Science Advisor, Office of Naval Research Global