Thorium energy: A greener energy solution to nuclear reactors

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• August 11, 2022

Insight summary

China's development of thorium-fueled molten salt nuclear reactors marks a significant shift in global energy dynamics, offering a more abundant and potentially safer alternative to uranium. This technology not only promises environmental benefits by reducing toxic waste and carbon emissions but also positions China as a potential leader in sustainable energy exports. However, concerns about the long-term performance and safety of these reactors, particularly regarding the corrosive effects of molten salt and the potential misuse of Uranium-233, remain to be fully addressed.

Thorium energy context

In 2021, China stunned the global energy sector by announcing the completion of a thorium-fueled molten salt nuclear reactor. This alternative energy technology could become commercially available by 2030. 

Thorium-fueled molten salt nuclear reactors use a mix of molten salt with thorium or uranium to produce energy. China opted for thorium because of the metal’s abundant supply in the country. Uranium reactors elsewhere in the world also need water for cooling purposes, adding geological constraints to their construction. On the other hand, the thorium reactor uses molten salt for both the transportation of heat and the cooling of the reactor, eliminating any need for construction near a body of water. However, thorium must be turned into Uranium 233 (U 233) through nuclear bombardment to initiate the reaction. U 233 is highly radioactive.

The technology used in thorium-fueled molten salt nuclear reactors is reportedly safer as liquid burning mitigates the risk of reactions becoming out of control and harming the reactor structures. Furthermore, thorium reactors are more environmentally friendly as burning thorium does not produce toxic plutonium, unlike uranium-fueled reactors. However, the salt can corrode the reactor’s structure at high temperatures. Corrosions due to salt damages can take five to 10 years to reveal themselves, so how these reactors may perform over time is yet to be entirely ascertained.

Disruptive impact

The development of thorium-based reactors by China may lead to greater energy independence for China, reducing reliance on uranium imports from countries with which it has tense diplomatic relations. A successful transition to thorium reactors would enable China to tap into a more abundant and potentially safer energy source. This change is particularly significant given the country's current heavy reliance on uranium, which is less abundant and often sourced through complex geopolitical channels.

The potential widespread adoption of thorium-based reactors presents a promising pathway to significant carbon emission reductions. By 2040, this could facilitate the phasing out of fossil fuel-based energy sources, such as coal-fired power plants, which are currently a major contributor to environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Transitioning to thorium reactors could thus align with energy goals and global commitments to reduce carbon emissions. Additionally, this shift would demonstrate a large-scale practical application of alternative nuclear technology.

On the international front, China's mastery of thorium reactor technology could position it as a leader in global energy innovation. This technology offers a less weaponizable alternative to traditional nuclear energy, making it an attractive option for export to developing countries. However, a note of caution is necessary due to the potential production of Uranium-233, a by-product of thorium reactors that could be used in explosives and uranium-based weapons. This aspect underscores the need for stringent safety and regulatory measures in the development and deployment of thorium reactors, to prevent the misuse of Uranium-233.

Implications of thorium energy 

Wider implications of thorium energy’s future impact on energy markets may include:

• More countries investing in molten salt reactor development because of their potential to be safely constructed anywhere, along with their green energy output. 
• Increased research into radioactive alternatives to uranium that can be used in nuclear reactors.
• More power plants being constructed in rural and arid regions, fueling economic growth in these areas. 
• Future research into building thorium reactors inside public infrastructure and military assets, such as aircraft carriers. 
• Western nations attempting to employ geopolitical tactics to restrain China’s exports of thorium reactor technology as it poses a potential competitive threat to their energy export initiatives.
• Thorium being inaccurately compared to nuclear energy on social media, leading to protests from local populations where thorium reactors are proposed for construction. 

Questions to consider

• Do you believe the greener aspects of thorium-generated energy can significantly benefit society versus its destructive potential through the increased generation of U 233?
• How might China’s lead in thorium energy production impact its strategic position in the 2030s?