China Achieves Thorium-Uranium Fuel Conversion
The Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics (SINAP), part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, has successfully completed the first-ever thorium-to-uranium nuclear fuel conversion in its experimental Thorium Molten Salt Reactor (TMSR).
Key Achievements
- The 2 MW TMSR, situated in Wuwei City, Gansu Province, is currently the only molten-salt reactor operating with thorium fuel worldwide.
- SINAP obtained valid experimental data confirming the technical feasibility of using thorium in a molten-salt reactor energy system.
- This breakthrough supports China’s ambitions for large-scale thorium resource utilization and advanced nuclear energy development.
Significance of Thorium-Uranium Conversion
This conversion milestone highlights the practical use of thorium in nuclear reactors, providing core technical support for future reactor demonstration projects and commercial applications.
“Featuring thorium-uranium conversion, it is the first time in the world that thorium was added to a molten-salt reactor, demonstrating the feasibility of our thorium resources utilisation. It is also a unique thorium-uranium cycle research platform in the world, laying a solid foundation for the construction of demonstration reactors and relevant commercial development in the future,” said SINAP Director Dai Zhimin.
The TMSR was developed through collaboration between SINAP and other Chinese institutions, advancing both experimental nuclear technology and the prospects for safer, more efficient nuclear fuel cycles.
Future Implications
This achievement marks significant progress in thorium-based nuclear energy systems, positioning China at the forefront of innovative nuclear reactor design and the potential expansion of thorium as a fuel source.
Author’s summary: China’s successful thorium-to-uranium conversion in its molten-salt reactor confirms the technical viability of thorium fuel and establishes a foundation for future advanced nuclear systems and commercial reactor projects.