China Achieves Milestone with First Working Thorium Reactor

CNChina|

Chinese scientists have successfully reloaded fresh fuel into the world's first operational thorium molten salt reactor while it continued to run, marking a significant advancement in clean energy technology. This achievement was announced on April 8 during a closed-door meeting at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, according to project lead Xu Hongjie.

Located in the Gobi Desert, the experimental reactor generates 2 megawatts of thermal power and utilizes molten salt to transport fuel and maintain heat, with thorium as the radioactive fuel source. Experts view thorium as a safer and more abundant alternative to uranium, theorizing that a single thorium-rich mine in Inner Mongolia could sustain China's energy needs for tens of thousands of years with less radioactive waste, as noted by Guangming Daily.

Xu emphasized China’s leadership in nuclear energy innovation, stating, “We now lead the global frontier,” and highlighted the reactor’s potential in contributing to global energy solutions. Construction on the reactor began in 2018, expanding from a small team to over 400 researchers. Future projects include larger thorium reactors and thorium-powered ships, aimed at promoting zero-emission transport.

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