A recent discovery in China could redefine the future of nuclear energy. Scientists have uncovered massive thorium deposits in Mongolia, a metal that has long been considered a potential alternative to uranium in nuclear reactors. This breakthrough could provide China with enough energy for over 60,000 years, according to early estimates.
A Major Scientific Breakthrough
The scale of the discovery is staggering. Reports indicate that scientists have identified 233 thorium-rich zones in Mongolia over recent years. These newly found reserves could contain more than a million tons of thorium, making it one of the most significant energy discoveries of the decade.
As the world searches for alternatives to fossil fuels and looks for ways to decarbonize energy production, thorium is emerging as an intriguing candidate. This naturally occurring radioactive element has the potential to revolutionize nuclear power, offering a cleaner, safer, and more abundant fuel source compared to traditional uranium-based reactors.
Could Thorium Replace Uranium?
Thorium is a silver-colored, malleable metal that is slightly denser than uranium. It is commonly found in igneous rocks and heavy mineral sands, making it far more abundant than uranium. In fact, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), thorium is estimated to be three to four times more prevalent in the Earth’s crust than uranium.
However, thorium alone cannot be directly used as a nuclear fuel. Unlike uranium-235, which is naturally fissile, thorium needs to be irradiated with neutrons to convert it into uranium-233, a material that can sustain a nuclear chain reaction. This added step has historically been a barrier to its widespread adoption.
The Advantages of Thorium-Based Reactors
Despite the challenges, many scientists believe that thorium reactors could offer significant advantages over conventional uranium-fueled nuclear power plants. Nathal Severijns, a professor of nuclear physics at KU Leuven, highlights several key benefits:
- Reduced Nuclear Waste: Thorium reactors generate far less long-lived radioactive waste than uranium-based systems.
- Lower Proliferation Risk: Unlike enriched uranium and plutonium, thorium is far less suitable for nuclear weapons production, making it a safer option from a geopolitical standpoint.
- Inherent Safety Mechanisms: Advanced thorium reactors are designed with passive safety features. In the event of overheating, a frozen salt plug at the reactor’s base melts, automatically shutting down the reaction.
- Greater Abundance: With higher availability in the Earth‘s crust, thorium offers a more sustainable long-term energy source.
These factors make thorium an appealing alternative in the quest for clean, efficient, and secure nuclear energy.
Why Hasn’t Thorium Been Widely Used Yet?
Given its advantages, thorium might seem like an obvious solution for the future of nuclear energy. However, its development has lagged behind for several reasons.
1. Uranium Is Still Plentiful
For now, global uranium reserves are sufficient for at least the next 100 years. Since uranium reactors are already well-established and cost-effective, there has been little incentive to switch to thorium-based technology.
2. Lack of Infrastructure
Unlike uranium, thorium requires specialized reactors. Most of today’s nuclear power plants are not designed to handle thorium fuel cycles, making the transition technically and financially challenging.
3. High Development Costs
Building a new generation of thorium reactors would require massive investments. While some countries have begun experimenting with the technology, the costs involved in research and infrastructure remain a major obstacle.
Is a Thorium Revolution on the Horizon?
Despite these hurdles, momentum is growing for thorium-based nuclear energy. The recent Chinese discovery has renewed interest, with many experts suggesting that this could be the push needed to accelerate thorium reactor development worldwide.
China is leading the charge with its first experimental thorium reactor, a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) designed to generate power on a limited scale. The goal is to have a fully operational thorium reactor by 2030.
Other nations are also exploring thorium’s potential. Countries such as Japan, France, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Canada have launched research projects aimed at assessing the feasibility of thorium-based nuclear power. In Europe, discussions are underway to build a large-scale thorium reactor, though progress remains slow due to regulatory and financial constraints.
What’s Next for Thorium Energy?
Even with China’s rapid progress, a full-scale transition to thorium reactors won’t happen overnight. As Gilbert Eggermont, a former professor at VUB and an ex-member of Belgium’s nuclear research center, explains, the real shift will only happen when uranium supplies become critically low.
However, experts like Nathal Severijns believe that China’s discovery could be a turning point. With major investments, growing energy demands, and an increasing need for clean and reliable power sources, thorium may finally step out of uranium’s shadow.
For now, all eyes are on China’s ambitious plans. If their thorium reactor becomes operational within the next decade, it could set the stage for a new era in nuclear energy—one that is safer, cleaner, and more sustainable for the future.