China has made a big scientific achievement in the field of nuclear energy. On 3 November 2025, China became the first country in the world to convert Thorium into Uranium inside a Thorium Molten Salt Reactor (TMSR). This is a major step toward clean, safe, and efficient nuclear power.
China Achieves First-Ever Thorium-Uranium Fuel Conversion in Molten Salt Reactor (TMSR)
What is a Thorium Molten Salt Reactor (TMSR)?
A TMSR is an advanced type of nuclear reactor that uses molten salt instead of water for cooling.
It also uses thorium as its main fuel material.
Molten salt allows the reactor to run at high temperatures and improves both safety and efficiency.
Main Features of TMSR
- Works at normal (atmospheric) pressure, reducing the risk of explosion.
- Does not need water for cooling – useful in dry areas.
- Gives high heat output, which can be used for electricity or industry.
- Has automatic safety systems – it can shut down itself if overheated.
- Produces less nuclear waste than normal uranium reactors.
Thorium to Uranium Conversion Process
- Thorium-232 cannot directly produce energy.
- Inside the reactor, it absorbs neutrons and changes into Uranium-233 (U-233).
- This process is called fuel breeding or fuel conversion.
- China’s success proves that this conversion is possible inside a working molten salt reactor.
Why This is a Big Milestone
- Shows that thorium can really be used as a nuclear fuel.
- Confirms that Uranium-233 can be produced inside the reactor for continuous power.
- Promises cleaner, safer, and longer-lasting nuclear energy for the future.
India’s Thorium Vision
India has been working for many years on the thorium fuel cycle under its three-stage nuclear power programme.
India wants to use its own large thorium reserves for power generation.
Important Indian Projects
- Advanced Heavy Water Reactor (AHWR): Designed by BARC to use thorium for electricity generation.
- Indian Molten Salt Breeder Reactor (IMSBR): Planned to develop thorium-based molten salt reactor technology.
Thorium Reserves in India
India has the largest thorium reserves in the world, mainly found in:
- Kerala and Odisha (monazite sands with 8–10% thorium)
- Also in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Jharkhand
China’s success will further encourage India to move faster toward its thorium energy goals.
Question & Answer
Q1. Which country has achieved the world’s first thorium-to-uranium fuel conversion in a molten salt reactor?
(a) USA
(b) India
(c) China
(d) Japan
Answer: China
Explanation: On 3 November 2025, China successfully completed the first thorium-to-uranium fuel conversion in a Thorium Molten Salt Reactor (TMSR).
Q2. What is the main fuel used in a Thorium Molten Salt Reactor (TMSR)?
(a) Uranium-235
(b) Plutonium-239
(c) Thorium-232
(d) Deuterium
Answer: Thorium-232
Explanation: TMSR uses Thorium-232 as its fertile fuel, which later converts into Uranium-233 inside the reactor.
Q3. Which Indian reactor is designed to demonstrate thorium use in power generation?
(a) Fast Breeder Test Reactor
(b) Advanced Heavy Water Reactor (AHWR)
(c) Kudankulam Reactor
(d) Narora Reactor
Answer: Advanced Heavy Water Reactor (AHWR)
Explanation: AHWR is being developed by BARC to show the use of thorium fuel in nuclear power production.
Q4. Thorium reserves in India are mainly found in which states?
(a) Punjab and Haryana
(b) Kerala and Odisha
(c) Gujarat and Rajasthan
(d) Uttar Pradesh and Bihar
Answer: Kerala and Odisha
Explanation: India’s monazite sands in Kerala and Odisha have 8–10% thorium content, making them the main sources.
Q5. What does the term “fuel breeding” refer to in nuclear science?
(a) Recycling nuclear waste
(b) Creating new fissile fuel from fertile material
(c) Cooling the reactor
(d) Mixing different fuels
Answer: Creating new fissile fuel from fertile material
Explanation: In TMSR, thorium-232 (fertile) absorbs neutrons to become uranium-233 (fissile), a process called fuel breeding.
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