China Conducts Successful Reactor Trial ‘Breeding’ Uranium From Thorium

China has announced that its experimental thorium-based molten salt reactor in the Gobi Desert has successfully converted thorium into uranium fuel, marking a first-of-its-kind test in its nuclear research programme.

The 2-megawatt reactor, developed by the Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, achieved in-core conversion of thorium-232 into uranium-233, allowing continuous power generation through nuclear fission.

Unlike conventional reactors, the molten salt design uses liquid fuel, operates at atmospheric pressure, and requires no water for cooling, reducing safety and waste concerns.

Chinese officials said all reactor components were built domestically. A 100-megawatt demonstration plant is planned by 2035 to test commercial use.

India three-stage nuclear power programme also aims to utilise thorium, given its large reserves in states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

India holds one of the world’s largest thorium reserves.