China to Build World's First Thorium Molten Salt Reactor Nuclear Power Plant by 2029: Ushering in a New Era of Clean Energy

China to Build World's First Thorium Molten Salt Reactor Nuclear Power Plant by 2029: Ushering in a New Era of Clean EnergyFor a long time, China lagged behind in nuclear technology, facing bottlenecks in key equipment manufacturing and raw material supply, hindering the development and utilization of clean energy. Compared to developed countries like the United States, China's nuclear energy technology development started later, and access to international advanced technologies presented challenges

China to Build World's First Thorium Molten Salt Reactor Nuclear Power Plant by 2029: Ushering in a New Era of Clean Energy

China's rapid economic development has placed immense pressure on the environment, particularly in energy-intensive heavy industries. Coal, the country's primary energy source, remains a significant contributor to pollution despite ongoing efforts to reduce emissions. Against the backdrop of sustainable development, the development of clean energy, especially nuclear power generation, has become a national strategic priority. China's nuclear power industry has experienced remarkable growth, with continuous technological advancements, establishing a prominent position in the international nuclear energy sector. In 2025, China initiated the construction of the world's first thorium molten salt reactor (TMSR) nuclear power plant, with projected completion in 2029. This groundbreaking technology will propel China's nuclear energy technology to a new stage of development and contribute significantly to global clean energy efforts.

I. Thorium Molten Salt Reactor: Breaking Technological Barriers and Leading the Future of Nuclear Energy

For a long time, China lagged behind in nuclear technology, facing bottlenecks in key equipment manufacturing and raw material supply, hindering the development and utilization of clean energy. Compared to developed countries like the United States, China's nuclear energy technology development started later, and access to international advanced technologies presented challenges. However, with the growing global demand for clean energy and increasing emphasis on environmental protection, China has significantly increased its investment in research and development of nuclear power technology. Nevertheless, clean energy development faces high technological barriers and enormous capital requirements, often demanding substantial investment to acquire advanced technologies.

Research on TMSR began in China in the 1960s, but progress was slow due to the international environment and technological limitations at the time, largely remaining at the basic research stage. In recent years, with China's enhanced scientific and technological capabilities, more research institutions have dedicated themselves to TMSR technology development. After years of effort and technological accumulation, China has successfully overcome technological bottlenecks and achieved industrial application of this technology, becoming the first country globally to achieve industrial application of TMSR.

II. Thorium Molten Salt Reactor Technology Explained: Three Major Systems and Core Advantages

The TMSR primarily consists of three major systems: the molten salt primary loop system, the gas-cooled loop system, and the nitrogen-cooled loop system. These three systems comprise numerous complex components, forming a highly efficient and safe nuclear power system.

The core advantage of the TMSR lies in its use of thorium as nuclear fuel and molten salt as a coolant. Heat from the reactor is released through heat exchangers and steam generators to power turbines, ultimately generating electricity. Thorium, a renewable resource, possesses significantly larger reserves than uranium, making it an ideal clean energy choice.

Compared to traditional uranium-based nuclear power plants, TMSRs offer several significant advantages:

1. Abundant Thorium Resources: Thorium reserves are three to four times greater than uranium reserves. China's thorium resources, if fully utilized as nuclear fuel, could last for 20,000 years.

2. Higher Energy Density: Compared to uranium ore, thorium's fission energy is approximately four times that of uranium, effectively addressing the issue of insufficient uranium reserves.

3. Excellent "Inherent Safety": TMSRs possess a unique "inherent safety" feature. In the event of an accident, such as an abnormal increase in core temperature, the molten salt undergoes physical changes, producing large amounts of gas and actinide elements. These substances inhibit chain reactions and dissipate significant heat, reducing core temperature and preventing explosions.

4. Effective Nuclear Waste Management: Traditional uranium-based reactors produce large amounts of nuclear waste, while TMSRs generate significantly less, and the waste has a shorter half-life, making it easier to handle and dispose of.

III. The Possibility and Challenges of "Infinite Energy"

The term "infinite energy" applied to TMSRs doesn't imply truly unlimited energy, but rather refers to the extremely abundant thorium resources and high energy utilization efficiency. Thorium reserves far exceed those of uranium, alleviating concerns about energy crises and offering new possibilities for sustainable human development.

However, TMSR technology also faces challenges:

1. Technological Complexity: TMSR technology is highly complex, requiring advanced technology and skilled personnel for design, manufacturing, and operation and maintenance.

2. Material Bottlenecks: Molten salt is highly corrosive, necessitating the development of highly corrosion-resistant materials to ensure safe reactor operation.

3. Cost Control: The construction cost of TMSRs is relatively high, requiring effective cost control measures.

4. International Cooperation: Strengthening international cooperation and exchange is critical to accelerating technological development.

IV. Impact on the Global Energy Landscape and Future Outlook

The successful development and application of TMSR technology are not only a milestone for China's nuclear energy industry but also provide a new pathway for global clean energy development. The global energy crisis is increasingly severe, with traditional fossil fuels causing environmental pollution and facing resource depletion. Developing clean energy and reducing carbon emissions have become a global consensus. TMSRs, as a safe, efficient, and clean nuclear power generation technology, offer a new solution to global energy problems.

Furthermore, the high energy density of TMSRs makes them an ideal energy source for space exploration, providing strong support for future space development.

Despite China's extensive experience in nuclear physics and related fields, achieving a breakthrough in TMSR technology still requires significant effort. Strengthening international cooperation and actively learning from and adapting international advanced technologies will help accelerate the development of China's TMSR technology and enhance its voice in international nuclear energy cooperation.

V. Conclusion: The Future Path of Clean Energy

China's successful development and imminent operation of the world's first TMSR nuclear power plant mark a significant breakthrough in the nuclear energy field, providing strong support for China's energy security and sustainable development. This achievement is not only a source of national pride but also contributes Chinese wisdom to global clean energy development, helping to build a clean and beautiful world. In the future, as TMSR technology matures and improves, its influence in the global energy sector will grow, creating a brighter future for humanity.

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