American think tank: China's thorium reactor technology leads the world.

China's thorium reactor is so important because it provides an opportunity for the United States to enter the thorium field, enhance its soft power and global influence.

In April 2024, scientists of the People's Republic of China (PRC) announced that they had successfully refueled a thorium nuclear reactor during its operation for the first time. Although this may not have made headlines, it marks a significant advancement in the future of atomic energy. In addition to its impressive power output, the molten salt reactor (MSR) located in the Gobi Desert also brings China closer to its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. It also reinforces China's high emphasis on renewable energy.

TFC is not a new technology; it originated in the United States. Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory first developed a test reactor in 1968, which was the first reactor to operate using uranium-233. China also began theoretical research around these years, but the United States abandoned further development projects in favor of uranium-based reactors. To date, in addition to the United States and China, countries such as the United Kingdom, Japan, Russia, France, and India are also testing and developing molten salt reactors.

TFC has drawn attention again for several reasons: although extracting monazite (a rare earth phosphate mineral from which thorium can be extracted) is both difficult and expensive, it is estimated that the reserves of thorium on Earth are about three times that of uranium. Safety and efficiency are two other advantages: molten salt reactors (MSR) operate at lower pressures, significantly reducing the risk of accidents. They can also run at higher temperatures (thus improving power generation efficiency) and produce less waste.

Although China may (currently) be slightly ahead, the United States can once again become a leader in this field by promoting and supporting reactor design, supply, extraction, and safety standards, especially for countries in the Global South. From a long-term perspective, the United States can effectively shape norms and guide the direction of this technology, strengthen its position, and weaken China.

Finally, enhancing U.S. technical capabilities (TFC) also aligns with an executive order issued by President Trump aimed at modernizing the workforce and preparing for future high-skilled jobs.

Source: The National Interest

Date: May 20th

Author: Roc Iore

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1832663372027916/

Disclaimer: This article represents the views of the author alone.