China has announced plans to construct the world’s first thorium-based nuclear power plant in 2025. Unlike traditional nuclear reactors that rely on uranium as fuel and water or sodium as coolant, this innovative plant will utilize thorium and molten salt.

Thorium-232, the primary fuel for this new reactor, is more abundant in the Earth’s crust than uranium. When struck by a neutron, thorium-232 transforms into fissile uranium-233, sustaining the nuclear reaction. Additionally, thorium reactors produce less long-lived radioactive waste and are less suitable for nuclear weapons production, making them inherently safer.

Molten salt will serve as the coolant for this reactor, transferring heat efficiently from the reactor core to generate electricity. This unique cooling method offers several advantages, including the ability to withstand extremely high temperatures and a self-regulating mechanism that slows down the reaction if it becomes too hot.

By pioneering the use of thorium and molten salt in nuclear power generation, China is poised to lead the world in advanced nuclear technology. While Bill Gates-backed company TerraPower has initiated construction on advanced sodium-cooled reactors, China’s adoption of molten salt and thorium technology represents a significant advancement.