I am not very knowledgeable about this topic, but this seemed kind of cool and hopeful to me. The small-scale modular approach and opportunity to make the tech more accessible to developing/emerging markets seems like an appealing vision of making clean energy tech more prevalent in contexts where it might not otherwise make sense. Hopefully the testing period works out well and it becomes viable to scale.
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China's nuclear safety watchdog has issued an operational permit for the nation's first thorium reactor, marking a significant milestone in the country's pursuit of advanced nuclear technologies.
The reactor, a two-megawatt liquid-fuelled thorium molten salt reactor (MSR), is located in the Gobi Desert city of Wuwei in Gansu province and is operated by the Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
The permit, issued by the National Nuclear Safety Administration on June 7, allows the Shanghai Institute to operate the reactor for 10 years and it will start by testing operations.
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Developing and deploying new nuclear technologies, including thorium MSRs, can be expensive. The launch of the Shanghai Institute's small-scale modular thorium molten salt reactor project indicates China is interested in further reducing the cost of the technology, they said.
Thse reactors are typically built in a factory and then transported to the site for installation. They can be installed in many types of environments, including remote or off-grid areas. Their smaller size enables easier scalability, allowing for incremental capacity additions based on energy demand.
This modular approach to building and installation can potentially reduce construction costs and project timelines. The ability to manufacture components in a factory setting and transport them to the site can streamline the construction process and improve cost efficiency.
China reportedly plans to sell small thorium reactors to other countries as part of the Belt and Road Initiative, Beijing's global infrastructure plan.
They can provide a nuclear entry point for countries or regions with smaller energy demands or limited grid infrastructure. Their smaller capacity and modular nature makes them more accessible and financially viable for these markets.
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https://www.msn.com/en-xl/news/other...rs/ar-AA1cAlBp