够中国用3万多年？我国攻克世界级难题，抢先美国建“无限能源”

Core Insights - China is advancing its energy strategy by developing thorium-based molten salt reactors, which could significantly enhance its energy independence and efficiency [3][10][27] Group 1: Thorium-Based Molten Salt Reactor Technology - The thorium-based molten salt reactor in Gansu has begun operations, representing a major technological breakthrough for China's energy strategy [3][5] - Traditional nuclear power relies on uranium fuel, with only about 1% converted to electricity, while the thorium reactor can convert over 98% of thorium fuel into energy [5][10] - One ton of thorium can release energy equivalent to 350,000 tons of standard coal or 200 tons of uranium, with the potential to generate 30 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity [7][10] Group 2: Thorium Resources and Energy Independence - China possesses abundant thorium reserves, particularly in the Bayan Obo area of Inner Mongolia, with an estimated 1.4 million tons available [9][10] - Utilizing thorium for energy could provide power for 1,600 years, or even 30,000 years if it replaces just 5% of current nuclear power [10][27] - This development allows China to reduce reliance on uranium imports and gain control over its energy resources [19][27] Group 3: Safety and Environmental Benefits - The thorium reactor design inherently enhances safety by relying on physical laws rather than complex systems, reducing the risk of catastrophic failures [12][14] - The reactor produces significantly less nuclear waste compared to traditional uranium reactors, with a toxicity half-life reduced from hundreds of thousands of years to just a few hundred years [16][17] Group 4: Global Leadership and Future Prospects - China is positioning itself as a leader in thorium reactor technology, having revived and advanced research initially conducted in the U.S. during the 1960s [19][21] - The country aims to set international standards for thorium reactor safety, similar to its approach in the 5G technology sector [23] - While challenges remain in scaling the technology for commercial use, the successful operation of the experimental reactor marks a significant step forward for China's energy landscape [25][27]