CITIZENS NEWS

China’s ‘meltdown-proof’ thorium reactor could ignite clean energy revolution

By ljdevon // 2025-05-08

In a stunning leap forward for clean energy, China has successfully fueled the world’s first operational thorium molten salt reactor—a technology once pioneered by the U.S. but abandoned in favor of uranium. The 2-megawatt experimental reactor, nestled in the vast expanse of the Gobi Desert, marks a turning point in nuclear energy, offering a safer, more efficient, and nearly inexhaustible power source. While Western nations remain shackled to outdated uranium reactors—plagued by meltdown risks and toxic waste—China is racing ahead, proving that the future of energy may lie in a long-forgotten element: thorium. Key points:

• China achieves breakthrough in thorium reactor technology, successfully fueling an operational molten salt reactor in the Gobi Desert.
• Thorium reactors produce less waste, cannot melt down, and eliminate weapons-grade byproducts—offering a safer nuclear alternative.
• U.S. abandoned thorium research decades ago, leaving China to capitalize on declassified American studies and push the technology forward.
• China plans a 10-megawatt thorium reactor by 2030, as global energy crises intensify demand for sustainable power solutions.

The rise of thorium: A safer nuclear future

For decades, thorium has been hailed as the "great green hope" of nuclear energy. Unlike uranium, thorium reactors cannot melt down, produce far less radioactive waste, and leave no weapons-grade byproducts. They can even consume existing plutonium stockpiles, turning a deadly legacy into clean power. China’s breakthrough comes as the world faces an energy crisis exacerbated by geopolitical turmoil and the collapse of fossil fuel stability. "We chose the hardest path, but the right one," said project chief scientist Xu Hongjie, whose team resurrected abandoned American research to develop this revolutionary technology. "Rabbits sometimes make mistakes or grow lazy. That’s when the tortoise seizes its chance." The U.S. had the lead in thorium research in the 1960s but shelved it in favor of uranium—a decision that now looks like a costly miscalculation. While Washington scrambles to catch up through partnerships like the ANEEL (Advanced Nuclear Energy for Enriched Life) project, China is already constructing a 10-megawatt thorium reactor set for completion by 2030.

The advantages of thorium are undeniable:

Abundant Supply: One of thorium’s biggest selling points is its sheer abundance. It’s over twice as common in the Earth’s crust as uranium, meaning we’re far less likely to run out of it anytime soon. Countries like India, for instance, sit on thorium reserves four times larger than their uranium deposits—a game-changer for energy independence. Unlike uranium, which is concentrated in a few regions (raising geopolitical tensions), thorium is widely distributed, making it a more democratic and sustainable fuel source. With global reserves estimated to last centuries, thorium could be the key to a stable, long-term nuclear energy future without the supply crunch fears tied to uranium. Lower Toxicity: When it comes to nuclear waste, thorium is a clear winner. Traditional uranium reactors produce plutonium—a dangerous byproduct that remains radioactive for millennia. Thorium reactors, however, slash plutonium waste by 80%, and the remaining waste has a dramatically shorter half-life. While uranium waste lingers for 700 million years, thorium’s byproducts decay to safe levels in just a few hundred. This means less long-term storage headaches, fewer environmental risks, and a much smaller burden for future generations. It’s a cleaner, more responsible way to harness nuclear power. Meltdown-Proof: Safety is where thorium truly shines. Thanks to its higher melting point and lower operating temperatures, thorium reactors are inherently more stable. Unlike traditional reactors that risk catastrophic meltdowns (think Chernobyl or Fukushima), thorium systems are designed to fail safely. If things go wrong, the reaction naturally slows down, preventing runaway disasters. This passive safety feature means no need for complex emergency cooling systems—just peace of mind. In a world wary of nuclear accidents, thorium offers a meltdown-proof alternative that could reshape public perception of atomic energy. Longer Fuel Cycles: Imagine a nuclear reactor that runs for years without refueling. That’s the reality with thorium. Its unique properties allow reactors to operate efficiently for extended periods—cutting downtime, reducing maintenance costs, and boosting overall productivity. Unlike uranium plants that require frequent shutdowns for fuel swaps, thorium reactors keep humming along, making them ideal for remote areas or places with limited infrastructure. Fewer refueling stops also mean lower operational costs and less disruption, giving thorium a major economic edge. It’s not just about cleaner energy—it’s about smarter, more efficient power generation. Sources include: OilPrice.com En.gmw.cn CleanCore.energy

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