China Achieves World-First: Refueling Thorium Molten Salt Reactor Without Shutdown

By Metals Minerals Publication On May 1, 2025 0

In a groundbreaking development for nuclear energy, Chinese scientists have successfully refueled a working thorium molten salt reactor without shutting it down — a feat never before accomplished. This achievement took place at the TMSR-LF1 reactor, located in the Gobi Desert, and represents a significant step forward in the global quest for safer, more efficient nuclear energy solutions.

Details of the Breakthrough

The TMSR-LF1 (Thorium Molten Salt Reactor – Liquid Fuel 1) is a 2-megawatt thermal experimental reactor developed by the Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics (SINAP), part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The reactor reached full operational power in June 2024.

In October 2024, researchers successfully performed a fuel reload while the reactor remained online, marking the first time this has been achieved in any molten salt reactor globally. The announcement was made by Xu Hongjie, the scientific leader of the thorium project, during a closed session of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Significance of the Achievement

Traditional nuclear reactors require shutdowns for refueling, resulting in costly downtime and logistical challenges. The ability to refuel the TMSR-LF1 without interrupting operations enables continuous energy production, increasing efficiency and reducing maintenance interruptions.

Thorium molten salt reactors present several key advantages over conventional uranium-based reactors:

Enhanced Safety: These reactors operate at atmospheric pressure and include passive safety systems that reduce the risk of catastrophic failure.
Reduced Nuclear Waste: The thorium fuel cycle produces significantly less long-lived radioactive waste.
Proliferation Resistance: Thorium reactors are less likely to produce materials that can be repurposed for nuclear weapons.

This accomplishment places China at the cutting edge of advanced nuclear technologies and reinforces its role as a global innovator in energy development.