核心设备完全国产化 我国钍基熔盐实验堆建成并首次实现堆内钍铀转化

Core Insights - The Chinese Academy of Sciences announced the successful construction and operation of a thorium-based molten salt experimental reactor in Wuwei City, Gansu Province, marking a significant step in the feasibility of utilizing thorium resources for nuclear energy [1][2] - This experimental reactor is China's independently developed fourth-generation advanced fission nuclear energy system and is currently the only molten salt reactor in the world that has achieved thorium fuel loading [1] - The reactor utilizes thorium as nuclear fuel and liquid fluoride salt as a coolant, offering advantages such as safety, no water cooling, operation at atmospheric pressure, and high-temperature output [1] Technological Advancements - Since the project's initiation in 2011, the research team has made breakthroughs in core technologies related to materials, instruments, equipment development, and system integration [1] - The reactor features an innovative integrated design that combines the core, fuel salt pump, heat exchanger, and other key components within the main reactor vessel, significantly reducing the risk of radioactive leakage and enhancing safety [1] - The overall domestic production rate of the thorium-based molten salt experimental reactor exceeds 90%, with 100% of key core equipment being domestically produced, ensuring a controllable supply chain [1] Strategic Importance - The thorium-based molten salt reactor represents a clean and efficient energy system that can complement high-temperature molten salt energy storage, hydrogen production, solar energy, wind energy, and coal gasification, contributing to a low-carbon chemical system [2] - Given China's abundant thorium resources, the establishment of thorium-based molten salt reactors can promote national energy independence and provide crucial support for energy security and sustainable development in the country [2]