Core Viewpoint - The successful construction and operation of China's thorium-based molten salt experimental reactor marks a significant advancement in utilizing thorium resources, laying a scientific foundation for future large-scale applications of thorium fuel [1][3]. Group 1: Reactor Development - The thorium-based molten salt 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 operation [3]. - The reactor uses 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 [3]. - Since the project's initiation in 2011, the research team has overcome key technologies related to materials, instruments, equipment development, and system integration [3]. - 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 [3]. - The overall domestic production rate of the reactor exceeds 90%, with 100% of key core equipment being domestically produced, ensuring a controllable supply chain [3]. Group 2: Strategic Importance - The thorium-based molten salt reactor represents a clean and efficient energy system that can integrate with high-temperature molten salt energy storage, high-temperature hydrogen production, solar energy, wind energy, and coal gasification, forming a low-carbon complementary energy system and low-carbon chemical framework [5]. - China's abundant thorium resources and the establishment of thorium-based molten salt reactors can promote national energy independence, providing significant support for the country's energy security and sustainable development [5].

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]