China's First Thorium Molten Salt Reactor in the Gobi Desert Marks a Shift in Nuclear Power Technology
By
Elizabeth Rayne
Summary
The article discusses the development of the world's first thorium reactor, built by Chinese researchers in the Gobi Desert. It highlights thorium as an alternative nuclear fuel to uranium, noting its advantages including greater abundance, reduced waste, and enhanced safety features. The reactor uses molten salt technology, which operates at lower pressures and eliminates the risk of meltdowns. This breakthrough could fundamentally change nuclear power by making it safer, cleaner, and more sustainable.
Source
bskyChina's First Thorium Molten Salt Reactor in the Gobi Desert Marks a Shift in Nuclear Power Technologypopularmechanics.comKey quotes
· 3 pulledIn the remote expanse of the Gobi desert stands the first thorium (Th) reactor ever built.
Uranium (U) is the poster child for nuclear fission reactors—the most common type of nuclear reactor we have.
Move over, uranium. Get out of here, water. Thorium and salt are the new MVPs of nuclear power.
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