China’s nuclear program has a rich history dating back to the 1950s , when the geopolitical climate of the Cold War prompted a nuclear arms race primarily between the United States and the Soviet Union . Amidst this backdrop, Mao Zedong , the then-leader of the Communist Party of China , sought Soviet assistance to initiate its own nuclear ambitions. By 1955 , this cooperation enabled China to establish its first production facility for Uranium-235 and Plutonium , marking the inception of what is now the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) .
However, the partnership was short-lived, as the Soviet Union ceased its collaboration in 1959, forcing China to embark on a challenging journey towards self-sufficiency in nuclear technology. Despite early setbacks, progress was gradual, with significant milestones such as the successful operation of the Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant in 1991 . At that time, China lagged far behind both American and Russian nuclear advancements, operating only two nuclear reactors by 2002 .
Fast forward to today, and China has remarkably expanded its nuclear capabilities, boasting 58 operational reactors , second only to the U.S., which has 94 reactors . Over the past two decades, China’s civil and military nuclear programs have advanced with impressive speed. However, it’s not merely the quantity of reactors that sets China apart; the country has positioned itself at the forefront of nuclear technology .
China Leads with its Molten Salt and Thorium Reactor
A pivotal moment in this journey was the official launch of the TMSR-LF1 reactor on October 11, 2023 . By June 17, 2024 , the reactor achieved full operational capacity. Remarkably, on October 8, 2023 , technicians detected protactinium-233 (PA-233) , a radioactive isotope derived from the conversion of thorium into Uranium-233 , further validating the reactor’s innovative fuel cycle. Situated in the Minqin industrial complex of Gansu Province , this reactor marks a significant achievement in nuclear technology.
<img alt="Superconductor quantum computers are being sabotaged. Fortunately, several Chinese scientists have found those responsible" width="375" height="142" src="https://i.blogs.es/e02581/ordenadorcuantico-ap/375_142.jpeg"/>With a thermal output of 2 megawatts (MWT) , TMSR-LF1 is not the first fourth-generation nuclear reactor active today, nor is it the first utilizing thorium as fuel. However, it stands out as the first molten salt reactor to employ thorium. The nation is not stopping here; plans are underway to construct a reactor with greater capacity by 2030 , signaling its commitment to advance this technology further.
China plans to build a molten salts and thorium reactor of greater capacity for 2030.
Globally, countries like the U.S., France, and India are also investing in nuclear research aimed at developing thorium-powered reactors. Notably, India’s efforts focus on demonstrating the viability of thorium-based fuel cycles within its advanced heavy water reactor project . While widespread adoption of this technology is yet on the horizon, the advantages it presents make it a promising candidate for the future of nuclear energy.
Thorium’s abundance— approximately 12 million tons —makes it a compelling alternative to uranium, which is used in current nuclear reactors. Notably, thorium is three times more abundant than uranium in the Earth’s crust. Significant thorium deposits exist in regions including China, Brazil, Canada, Australia, the U.S., and others. Interestingly, India is also actively investing in the development of reactors capable of utilizing thorium, indicating the global momentum behind this fuel source.
Although thorium is easy to extract, it cannot be directly utilized as fuel. Instead, it must be processed in a reactor to produce Uranium-233 , a fissionable isotope. This uranium can subsequently fuel conventional reactors, thus providing a pathway for thorium’s integration into existing nuclear infrastructures. Furthermore, experts affirm that molten salt nuclear reactors are generally safer than traditional installations, due to their use of lithium fluoride and beryllium as coolant at low pressure, significantly reducing the risk of core meltdown.
Experts say that molten salts nuclear reactors are safer than reactors installed in the nuclear power plants that are currently in operation.
Additional benefits of molten salt reactors include the ability to be installed underground, further enhancing safety measures. Notably, these reactors allow for fuel recharge while remaining operational , a feature that adds to their operational efficiency. They also do not require water for cooling, making them suitable for arid regions lacking water sources, thereby aligning with China’s broader strategy of establishing fourth-generation nuclear plants in remote territories.
One more significant advantage is the shorter half-life of radioactive waste produced in thorium reactors compared to conventional uranium reactors, simplifying waste management. Moreover, using thorium is more efficient; nearly all fuel participates in nuclear fission, maximizing its energy output .
In conclusion, China’s burgeoning nuclear program signifies not just a national ambition but a global shift toward safer and more efficient energy sources. By leading the charge in developing molten salt and thorium technology, China is positioning itself as a key player in the future of nuclear energy and sustainability.