China is setting the stage for a major breakthrough in nuclear energy with the development of a thorium-based molten-salt reactor (TMSR). The country plans to build a 10-megawatt demonstration reactor in the Gobi Desert, a project managed by the Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics (SINAP) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Scheduled to be operational by 2030, this initiative builds upon a smaller 2-megawatt experimental reactor that has been running successfully since 2021. Reports claim the construction of the project will begin in 2025.
Thorium, a naturally occurring element, offers an exciting alternative to uranium in nuclear reactors. It is safer, more efficient, and produces less radioactive waste. For China, thorium represents a strategic opportunity to achieve energy independence and reduce reliance on imported uranium. Unlike other countries, China plans to source its thorium from the byproducts of its vast rare earth mining industry, turning mining waste into a nearly unlimited energy resource. This innovative approach not only addresses energy supply concerns but also contributes to environmental sustainability by repurposing waste materials.
China’s TMSR features a cutting-edge design that reflects years of research and development. The reactor’s core will be compact, standing 3 meters tall and 2.8 meters in diameter, and it will operate at a high temperature of 700°C. With a thermal output of 60 megawatts and an electrical output of 10 megawatts, this demonstration reactor marks a significant step forward in energy technology. If successful, China plans to scale up its efforts, constructing a larger reactor with a capacity of 373 megawatts by 2030. These advancements are part of a broader $444 million research initiative launched in 2011, which has positioned China as a global leader in thorium reactor development.
In addition to its civilian applications, thorium reactors hold significant potential for military uses. China is already exploring these possibilities, particularly in the fields of maritime and aerospace energy systems. For instance, compact thorium reactors could power submarines, aircraft carriers, and other naval vessels, providing a long-lasting and efficient energy source for military operations. In space exploration, thorium’s high energy density could enable longer missions, powering spacecraft and satellites without relying on solar energy. Furthermore, mobile thorium reactors could serve as reliable power sources for remote military outposts and forward operations, enhancing the strategic capabilities of modern armed forces.
Thorium’s global importance extends beyond China’s ambitions. It offers solutions to many of the challenges facing nuclear energy today. As a fuel, thorium is far more abundant than uranium, with deposits available worldwide, ensuring a sustainable energy supply for generations. Thorium reactors produce less long-lived radioactive waste, addressing one of the most significant criticisms of traditional nuclear energy. Additionally, thorium fuel cycles are less likely to produce weapons-grade materials, making them more resistant to proliferation and enhancing global security. For nations like India and Brazil, which have significant thorium reserves, this technology presents an opportunity to achieve energy independence and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
China’s leadership in developing thorium-based molten-salt reactors places it at the forefront of a potentially transformative energy revolution. If the TMSR-LF1 project succeeds, it could pave the way for widespread adoption of thorium reactors worldwide, reshaping both civilian energy markets and military capabilities.