Thorium reactor: China is developing a nuclear power plant for the world's largest container ship (3 photos)

So, armchair experts, what do you think of doing this evening? I suggest we discuss in the comments a rather intriguing development unveiled by China this week.





Stock up on sunflower seeds, there's a lot of text to read. The Chinese government has invested a huge amount of money in developing a new type of nuclear reactor that uses thorium and molten salt.

Scientists have been working tirelessly since 2011 and finally delivered a 2-megawatt prototype in 2021. They launched this miracle for testing in the Gobi Desert. In 2024, it reached full power, conducted numerous tests, and found that the reactor complied with international safety requirements.



The 2-megawatt experimental reactor using liquid thorium fuel in Minqin County, Gansu Province, China (drone photo) can use a variety of nuclear fuels, from uranium to thorium. (Xinhua)

The results were impressive, leading to the decision to install the reactor on a next-generation container ship. The vessel, named KUN-24AP, will have a capacity of 24,000 standard containers. Previously, 14,000 containers were mentioned, but more accurate data indicates 24,000. This would make the ship the largest in the world.

Refuelling will be required once every ten years. The vessel will be able to operate without carbon dioxide emissions. Commercial operation of the container ship is expected in the late 2030s.





Now a few words about the reactor itself. It was originally designed for installation on large seagoing vessels. It operates on the molten salt principle. Thorium-232 is used as fuel. Thorium is converted into uranium-233 directly inside the reactor. This makes the fuel safer than conventional uranium.

The reactor does not require water cooling. Heat is removed through molten salt. The salt is under normal pressure. If the temperature rises above the permissible limit, the salt solidifies. The reaction is stopped automatically. This principle eliminates the risk of core meltdown. This is especially important on ships, where space is limited and accidents are unacceptable.

The reactor's thermal output is 200 megawatts. Its electrical output reaches approximately 50 megawatts. For comparison, American Seawolf-class submarines use an S6W reactor with a thermal output of approximately 220 megawatts. The new Chinese reactor's characteristics are similar to those of military reactors. A 10-megawatt diesel generator is provided as a backup power source.

And now one interesting detail: China has large quantities of thorium; according to local scientists, its reserves are sufficient for tens of thousands of years. Waste from the thorium cycle is smaller and less radioactive, which reduces environmental risks.