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China wasted no time and announced the commissioning of the world's first thorium nuclear reactor, specifically a molten salt reactor.
A China took a historic step by announcing the launch of the world's first thorium nuclear reactor, an innovation that promises to change the course of global nuclear energy. This reactor, which uses thorium instead of uranium, is considered safer and generates less radioactive waste, representing a significant advance in terms of sustainability and energy security.
O world's first thorium nuclear reactor, in China, arises in a scenario where uranium, traditionally used in nuclear reactors, has been a cause for concern due to the associated risks, such as the possibility of catastrophic meltdowns, exemplified by disasters such as Fukushima and Chernobyl. Furthermore, uranium is also the base material for making nuclear weapons, which adds a layer of taboo and discomfort around its use.
Why is the world's first thorium nuclear reactor special?
But what makes thorium so special? It is a material that, although it has fascinated scientists for decades, has not yet been widely explored as an alternative to uranium. Thorium is about three to four times more common in the Earth's crust, produces less radioactive waste and is easier to control in nuclear reactions, which significantly reduces the risk of collapses. It is much more difficult to turn thorium into nuclear weapons, making it a safer option for peaceful use.
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New reactor in China
O new reactor in China is a molten salt plant, a technology that, despite having been tested in the United States in the 60s, has never been commercialized until now. In molten salt reactors, the fuel and coolant (a mixture of molten salts) are mixed and continuously circulated through the system, reducing the risk of overheating and explosions. Another advantage is that these reactors can be refueled without having to be shut down, which is an expensive and time-consuming process in conventional reactors.
20.000 years
A China is not only leading the development of this technology but also has enough thorium reserves to meet its energy needs for the next 20.000 years. The first experimental thorium molten salt reactor, TMSR-LF1, began construction in 2018 and was completed in 2021. It is located in a remote area in the Gansu desert, which highlights another advantage of these reactors: they do not require water for cooling and can be installed in sparsely populated regions, minimizing risks to the population.
Operational in 2029
This reactor, which initially operates in a closed system, is expected to become fully operational around 2029. Although it is still an experimental project, it represents an important milestone in the race for safe and sustainable nuclear energy. A China plans to rapidly expand this technology, and there are already plans to build new reactors with greater capacity in the coming years.
China as a leading supplier of clean energy
With this innovation, China positions itself as the world leader in thorium nuclear technology, a feat that could transform the country into one of the main suppliers of clean and safe energy to the world. The expectation is that this new approach will not only help the country achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, but also offer a significant strategic advantage on the global energy stage.
This technological advancement puts China ahead of other nations, who must now consider whether to follow suit or be left behind in the search for safer and more sustainable energy alternatives. In the long term, the world's first thorium nuclear reactor It could very well be the beginning of a new era for nuclear energy.
