【解放日报】茫茫戈壁见证上海又一大科学装置新纪录

Core Viewpoint - The establishment of the world's first operational thorium-based molten salt reactor in Gansu, China, marks a significant advancement in nuclear energy technology, enabling the diversification of nuclear fuel from uranium to thorium [6][10]. Group 1: Technology Overview - The thorium-based molten salt reactor operates using thorium as fuel and high-temperature molten salt as a coolant, representing a fourth-generation advanced nuclear energy system [5]. - This technology allows for a sustainable "thorium-uranium fuel cycle," where thorium-232 absorbs neutrons and transforms into uranium-233, releasing substantial energy with reduced nuclear waste [9][10]. - The reactor's output temperature ranges from 650°C to 700°C, with a thermal-to-electric conversion efficiency of 40% to 60% [9]. Group 2: Advantages and Integration - Thorium is a naturally occurring, less radioactive metal, which can be efficiently converted into usable nuclear fuel, addressing China's reliance on imported uranium [5][9]. - The molten salt reactor can be integrated with renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, creating a low-carbon composite energy system [5][9]. Group 3: Domestic Development and Supply Chain - The overall domestic production rate of the molten salt reactor exceeds 90%, with all key equipment being 100% domestically produced, ensuring a self-sufficient supply chain [10]. - Significant advancements have been made in the development of critical materials, such as high-temperature nickel-based alloys and nuclear graphite, which are essential for reactor safety and longevity [10]. Group 4: Historical Context and Future Prospects - The project has a historical background dating back to the 1971 "728" project, which initially aimed to develop molten salt reactors but was shelved due to technological limitations at the time [11]. - The current experimental reactor is the first step in a planned three-phase development, with future goals including a 30 MW research reactor and a 100 MW demonstration reactor for efficient power generation [15].