In the arid heart of the Gobi desert, between the dunes and silence, China wrote a new page in the history of clean energy. In fact, the First nuclear reactor in the world powered by Torio and melted saltsan experimental technology that promises to drastically reduce the risks of traditional atomic energy. Is called TMSR-LF1is located near the city of Wuwei, in the province of Gansu, and represents a big step forward towards one more sustainable, safe and -free energy production without climalterant emissions.
How the Chinese reactor works with fused salts and Torio: clean energy, atmospheric pressure and continuous refueling
This experimental reactor has a thermal power of 2 megawatt And it does not look like at all to the large nuclear plants we are used to. It works thanks to a liquid mixture called Florescomposed of Lithium fluoride and beryllium fluoridein which Torio are dissolved e Uranium Haleu (with low enrichment but with high concentration). All happens at atmospheric pressurewhich means without the need for high pressure containerswith a positive impact both on safety and on the environment.
Another innovative element is the presence of nuclear graphitewhich slows down neutrons during the chain reaction, making the process more controllable and efficient. The reactor has reached The critical phase in October 2023started the Complete production in June 2024and, even more surprising, In October 2024 it was supplied with fuel without ever going out. An extremely complex procedure, which very few plants in the world can perform, and which testifies the high technological level reached.
A long -term vision: China has been investing in the Torio for decades and now aims at small modular reactors
This is not an improvised experiment. China has been studying reactors to Torio since the 70sbut since 2011 the interest has materialized in a structured research program, started by Chinese Academy of Sciences. The project is led by the scientist Xu Hongjiewho reworked old US studies from the 1960s, updating them and bringing them further, thanks to public investments and a strong push to innovation.
And it does not end here: by 2029 the creation of a larger reactor from 60 thermal megawattcapable of generating 10 megawatt of electricity and hydrogen. From 2030, then, China intends to market Small modular reactors (SMR) by at least 100 MW Electricto be installed especially in the internal areas of the country, but also In the partner countries of Belt and Road Initiative.
The environmental benefits of the Torio reactors: less waste, more security and no nuclear proliferation
But why all this enthusiasm for the Torio? First of all because it is much more abundant than uranium: It is present in larger quantities in the earth’s crust and can therefore guarantee a longer lasting availability over time. In addition, this type of reactor produces Less long -lasting radioactive waste And, thanks to its design with melted salts, it is practically immune to the risk of fusion of the coreone of the main fears associated with nuclear energy.
Then there is another important aspect: the by -products generated by these reactors are not suitable for the construction of nuclear weaponsa crucial point for international security. In summary, the TMSR-LF1 technology represents a Strategic and environmental turning pointoffering a safer and more sustainable alternative than conventional reactors.
With the debut of this system, China sends a strong and clear signal: The nuclear energy of the future can be cleaner, less dangerous and not necessarily linked to uranium. A challenge that could change the global energy panorama forever.
