A Historical Perspective on Reactor Technology

Innovative technologies such as molten-salt cooling systems and alternative fuels like TRISO were first conceived during the mid-20th century. Despite their potential, these technologies have remained largely unutilized until now.

China: A Leader in Nuclear Expansion

Currently, China stands out as a hotspot for nuclear energy development. While the United States maintains the largest number of operational reactors globally, China is rapidly catching up by constructing numerous new reactors. Recently, the Chinese government approved plans for 10 additional reactors, amounting to an investment exceeding $27 billion.

Advanced Reactor Technologies

China is actively pursuing various advanced reactor technologies that deviate from traditional models reliant on enriched uranium and high-pressure water cooling. A significant focus has been on high-temperature reactors utilizing gas as a coolant. Several of these reactors are already operational, with more in the pipeline.

Thorium-Based Reactor Developments

Recent reports from Chinese state media highlight a significant milestone in thorium reactor development. This particular reactor commenced operation in June 2024 and recently completed a refueling process without the need for a shutdown—a common requirement for conventional reactors.

It’s essential to note that this reactor is relatively small, generating two megawatts of heat, which is less than the six megawatts produced by the research reactor at MIT, one of the largest university reactors in the United States.

The Resurgence of Thorium Research

The progress with thorium reactors is particularly noteworthy given the global focus on uranium-based energy for over half a century. The foundations of thorium research were laid in the United States, particularly during the resource-intensive investigations led by institutions like Oak Ridge National Laboratory in the 1960s, where Uranium-233 was utilized as fuel generated from thorium exposure to radiation.