China's Thorium Breakthrough: A Strategic Leap Toward Safer, Sustainable Nuclear Energy

China has successfully achieved the first-ever thorium to uranium nuclear fuel conversion in a Thorium Molten Salt Reactor

By EVWorld.com Si Editorial Team

China has achieved a major milestone in nuclear innovation with the world's first successful thorium-to-uranium fuel conversion inside a Thorium Molten Salt Reactor (TMSR). Conducted by the Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics (SINAP), this breakthrough confirms the technical feasibility of using thorium - a more abundant and potentially safer alternative to uranium - in advanced nuclear energy systems.

What the Reactor Actually Produces

The current experimental TMSR does not produce grid electricity or exportable energy. Its primary function is fuel conversion and data validation, proving that thorium can be transmuted into fissile uranium-233 within a molten-salt reactor environment. This process lays the groundwork for future reactors that could either:

• Use the converted uranium-233 directly as fuel in other reactors
• Scale up to produce electricity once engineering and safety benchmarks are met

China?s long-term goal is to build a 100-megawatt demonstration reactor by 2035, which would be capable of generating electricity and integrating with broader energy systems.

Why This Matters

• Thorium abundance - China has vast thorium reserves, making it a strategic resource for energy independence
• Safety and efficiency - Molten-salt reactors operate at atmospheric pressure and use liquid fuel, reducing meltdown risks and enabling passive cooling
• Low-carbon integration - TMSRs can be paired with solar, wind, hydrogen production, and industrial heat applications
• Domestic supply chain - China has built its own core equipment and industrial base for TMSR technology

Strategic Implications

Rather than competing with conventional uranium reactors, this technology could complement existing nuclear infrastructure by supplying uranium-233 or serving as a platform for future grid-connected reactors. It also positions China as a global leader in fourth-generation nuclear systems, with potential export opportunities in reactor design, fuel processing, and integrated energy solutions.

While the current reactor is experimental and not yet producing electricity, it marks a foundational step toward scalable, safe, and sustainable nuclear energy - potentially reshaping the global energy landscape.

Source: Xinhua News

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