Energy Insider: China Reaches Major Milestone With Thorium Molten Salt Reactor
China has achieved a significant technological breakthrough in nuclear energy with the successful operation of a thorium-based molten salt reactor, a next-generation nuclear system that promises greater efficiency and safety. The Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics announced on November 2 that it had completed a 2-megawatt experimental liquid-fuel thorium molten salt reactor, marking a key advancement in fourth-generation nuclear technology.
The institute said the reactor is currently the only operational system of its kind worldwide to have successfully introduced thorium fuel. The project represents years of research into alternative nuclear fuel cycles aimed at improving energy security and reducing radioactive waste. Looking ahead, the institute plans to construct a 100-megawatt demonstration reactor and connect it to the national grid by around 2035, paving the way for potential commercial use of thorium-based nuclear power.
Thorium, a naturally abundant element, is considered a safer and more sustainable alternative to uranium. Experts believe molten salt reactors could operate at higher efficiency and lower pressure, reducing the risk of accidents while offering better fuel utilization. The development has been viewed as a key step in China’s long-term goal of diversifying its clean energy portfolio and enhancing self-reliance in strategic technologies.
Meanwhile, China’s regional energy cooperation continues to expand rapidly. According to Xinhua, cross-border power exchanges between China and ASEAN countries have exceeded 75 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh), with green energy sources including hydropower, wind, and solar, accounting for more than 90% of the total. The figures highlight growing integration between China’s power grid and Southeast Asia’s energy systems.
By the end of 2024, the installed capacity of joint renewable projects between China and ASEAN partners had grown to nearly 15 times the level recorded in 2014. Sixteen interconnected power transmission lines of 110 kilovolts or higher are now in place, providing a strong foundation for regional electricity trade and renewable energy collaboration. Analysts say this cross-border network supports both China’s green energy goals and ASEAN’s transition toward cleaner power generation.
In another development, PetroChina Co. Ltd. has expanded its overseas operations with the launch of a new crude oil processing facility at Iraq’s West Qurna 1 oil field. The plant, which began operations on November 2, will boost the field’s daily processing capacity from 600,000 barrels to more than 800,000 barrels, strengthening Iraq’s position as a major crude supplier and enhancing PetroChina’s role in global energy markets.
The project forms part of China’s broader overseas energy strategy, combining investment in advanced technology with partnerships that support local development. Industry observers say such projects not only enhance China’s energy security but also build long-term commercial and diplomatic ties in key regions like the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
Together, these developments underscore China’s growing influence across the global energy landscape, from pioneering nuclear research at home to expanding renewable and fossil fuel partnerships abroad. As the country deepens its focus on innovation and sustainability, its energy initiatives are increasingly shaping the direction of international cooperation in the years ahead.
