By China has recently unveiled a significant discovery that could revolutionize its energy landscape: vast reserves of thorium, a radioactive metal with the potential to provide a nearly limitless energy supply. A national survey revealed that China possesses approximately one million tons of thorium, primarily located in the Bayan Obo mining complex in Inner Mongolia. Thorium is considered a safer and more efficient alternative to uranium-235, the conventional fuel for nuclear reactors.
One of the notable advantages of thorium is its waste management; radioactive waste from thorium becomes safe after hundreds of years, compared to the thousands of years required for uranium waste. This characteristic positions thorium as a promising candidate for sustainable and long-term energy production. The implications of this discovery are profound.
With these thorium reserves, China could potentially meet its energy needs for the next 60,000 years, significantly reducing reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to global efforts to combat climate change. However, transitioning to thorium-based energy production requires substantial advancements in nuclear technology and infrastructure.
While thorium reactors have been a topic of research for decades, widespread commercial adoption has yet to be realized. In addition to thorium exploration, China has been making strides in other innovative energy projects. The country is constructing a massive ‘Solar Great Wall’ in the Kubuqi Desert, Inner Mongolia, expected to be completed by 2030.
This solar farm will span 400 kilometers long, 5 kilometers wide, and generate up to 100 gigawatts of power, enough to supply energy to Beijing. These initiatives underscore China’s commitment to diversifying its energy portfolio and leading the way in sustainable energy solutions. While the discovery of extensive thorium reserves offers a promising path toward sustainable energy, the journey to harnessing this potential is complex and requires continued research, development, and international collaboration. If successfully implemented, thorium-based energy could play a pivotal role in meeting the world’s growing energy demands while minimizing environmental impact.
