Core Insights - The establishment of the thorium-based molten salt reactor in Gansu, China, marks a significant technological breakthrough in nuclear energy, potentially alleviating China's long-term reliance on imported nuclear fuel [1][3] Group 1: Technological Breakthroughs - The thorium-based molten salt reactor is the only operational molten salt reactor globally and the only one built in a desert area in China, representing a pivotal shift in the nuclear energy landscape [1] - Thorium, abundant in China, can be converted into fissile uranium-233 through neutron bombardment, effectively transforming a non-fissile material into a valuable energy source [3] - The extraction of thorium as a byproduct of rare earth mining significantly reduces the cost of nuclear fuel and enhances the economic viability of both thorium and rare earth resources [3] Group 2: Safety and Flexibility - The molten salt reactor operates at high temperatures (600-700°C) without the need for external water sources, eliminating the risk of overheating and core meltdown associated with traditional nuclear power plants [5] - This self-sustaining cooling system allows for greater flexibility in site selection, enabling the construction of nuclear power plants in inland areas rather than being restricted to coastal locations [7] - The ability to utilize thorium resources in various regions can provide clean and stable energy, potentially transforming energy access across China [7]
含量丰富、获取成本低 中国核能科技实现从“铀”到“钍”颠覆性突破