Thorium: China Discovery Of ‘Limitless’ Energy Source Could Power The Country For 60,000 Years
Thorium, a silver-coloured metal with immense energy potential, generates 200 times more power than uranium
Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery that could revolutionize the global energy landscape. A newly declassified report, published in the Chinese journal Geological Review, reveals that China may have a much larger reserve of thorium, a radioactive metal capable of generating 200 times more energy than uranium. This finding suggests that China could potentially power itself for 60,000 years using this energy source.
India Blocks 119 Apps, Citing Security Concerns, Most of Them are Chinese
Thorium: A Game-Changer in Clean Energy
Unlike uranium, thorium-based molten-salt reactors produce minimal radioactive waste and do not require water cooling, making them a safer and more sustainable option. The report highlights the presence of thorium in mining waste, with the Bayan Obo mining complex alone estimated to contain around one million tonnes of the metal. If fully utilized, experts believe this untapped resource could be a game-changer for China’s energy security and sustainability.
Experts Weigh In on the Significance of the Discovery
Fan Honghai, lead researcher from the National Key Laboratory of Uranium Resource Exploration-Mining and Nuclear Remote Sensing in Beijing, emphasized the importance of these resources, stating, “These thorium resources in tailings remain totally untouched.” Another geologist, speaking to the South China Morning Post, noted that while nations have fought over fossil fuels for centuries, this discovery proves that an almost endless energy source has been beneath their feet all along.
Challenges in Extracting and Utilizing Thorium
Despite the promising potential, extracting thorium is not without challenges. The process requires large amounts of acid and energy, which could pose logistical and environmental difficulties. Additionally, there are concerns about the possibility of thorium by-products being weaponized, though experts insist the metal itself is not viable for nuclear arms.
Chinese Car Brands Could Sway European Sceptics With Just a 10% Price Reduction
China’s Energy Future and Security Considerations
Honghai acknowledged that while thorium presents a major opportunity for nuclear power and propulsion, it also brings challenges in terms of exploration and exploitation. Researchers have estimated the energy potential of China’s thorium reserves, but the exact figures are being withheld for national security reasons. As China explores ways to harness this vast energy source, the world will be watching closely to see how it reshapes the future of sustainable energy.
China, thorium, limitless energy, radioactive metal, nuclear power, uranium alternative, clean energy, molten-salt reactors, Bayan Obo mining complex, energy sustainability, nuclear propulsion, energy security, environmental benefits, minimal radioactive waste, extraction challenges, renewable energy, declassified report, Geological Review, South China Morning Post, Fan Honghai, national security, thorium reserves, energy revolution, fossil fuel alternative, nuclear technology, China mining industry, thorium by-products, global energy landscape,
- China’s GWM Unveils New Bi-Turbo V8 Engine, Targets Luxury Car Market
- Shein, Temu to increase US prices next week after Trump’s tariffs, de minimis shift
- China Unveils ‘Poxiao’: World’s Fastest Flash Memory Device Breaks Speed Barriers
- Nvidia CEO in Beijing as US tech curbs, trade war threaten sales
- China Achieves 100Gbps Satellite Laser Breakthrough, Surpassing Starlink’s Ground Capabilities