“全球首台套绿色环保生产装置”锂同位素分离基地拟落户新疆

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the strategic importance of lithium isotope enrichment technology in supporting China's nuclear energy development, particularly in the context of the new technological revolution and industrial transformation. The establishment of a major industrial base for lithium isotope enrichment in Xinjiang is highlighted as a key initiative to meet explosive demand in the nuclear energy sector [1][12]. Group 1: Project Overview - The project is based on the crown ether separation technology developed by Academician Hu Shilin's team, utilizing the world's first green production facility that can completely replace the mercury-lithium method currently used in industrial production [3]. - The new separation system eliminates the use of toxic mercury, addressing significant environmental and efficiency issues associated with the traditional method, thus supporting the development of fusion reactors and molten salt reactors [7]. Group 2: Importance of Lithium Isotopes - Lithium, being the lightest alkali metal, has two stable isotopes, 6Li and 7Li, which play crucial roles in nuclear applications. 6Li is essential for tritium breeding in fusion reactions, while 7Li is used as a coolant and fuel solvent in molten salt reactors [8]. - The enrichment of 6Li (30-90%) is critical for fusion reactors, and 7Li (99.99% purity) is necessary for molten salt reactors, highlighting the strategic need for domestic production capabilities [1][8]. Group 3: Regional Advantages - Xinjiang's abundant renewable energy resources, including wind and solar power, can provide the necessary green electricity for high-energy processes like isotope separation, aligning with the goal of "green electricity driving green manufacturing" [10]. - The strategic location of Xinjiang as a core area of the Belt and Road Initiative and the capabilities of Urumqi as a regional center city provide a solid foundation for the construction of large-scale strategic industrial bases [11]. Group 4: Government Support and Collaboration - The Xinjiang government is committed to playing the role of an "innovation partner," prioritizing regions that meet the special requirements of strategic industries during the project site selection process [11]. - The collaboration between the Xinjiang government, the China Atomic Energy Research Institute, and the Shanghai Zhu Guangya Strategic Technology Research Institute is crucial for accelerating the establishment of the lithium isotope enrichment technology industrial base [12].