China Develops Innovative Thorium-Powered Marine Reactor
China has developed a thorium-powered reactor designed for use on heavy ocean vessels.
According to Report, citing the South China Morning Post (SCMP), this reactor could first be installed on the world’s largest container ships currently being built in China.
Thorium is an element used as nuclear fuel. It is considered safer than uranium because it is less radioactive and does not require water for cooling.
“If successfully implemented on a large scale, this technology could shift the paradigm in maritime transportation,” the publication notes.
Unlike uranium-based nuclear reactors that require powerful cooling systems, the new Chinese reactor uses thorium — a safer fuel that operates without the need for water.
The reactor is planned to be installed on container ships capable of carrying 14,000 containers. The thorium reactor will produce 50 MW of electricity — enough for the ship to sail the oceans for years without refueling. For emergencies, it will also be equipped with a 10 MW backup diesel generator.
According to SCMP, this technology could revolutionize both commercial shipping and naval shipbuilding if it proves successful and becomes widely adopted.
