Breaking Down The News: China’s MSR Advances, The Global Race, and India’s Untapped Thorium Potential
Molten Salt Reactors (MSRs) are emerging as a revolutionary technology that could reshape the future of nuclear energy. Unlike conventional nuclear reactors, MSRs use liquid fuel instead of solid rods, operating at lower pressure and producing less long-lived radioactive waste. They also have built-in safety mechanisms that significantly reduce the risk of meltdowns. At the heart of MSR development is thorium, a naturally abundant element that can be used as a cleaner and more efficient alternative to uranium. With global energy demands increasing and the need for sustainable solutions growing, MSRs could be the answer to the world’s long-term power needs.
China is currently leading the race in MSR development, having successfully built and operated an experimental thorium-based molten salt reactor (TMSR-LF1) in Wuwei, Gansu. This reactor achieved criticality in October 2023, marking a major milestone in China’s nuclear ambitions. The Chinese government has plans to expand this initiative, with a 373 MW MSR expected to be operational by 2030. If successful, this project could pave the way for commercial deployment of MSRs, putting China at the forefront of next-generation nuclear energy. China’s approach has been strategic, combining strong government support, significant research funding, and a clear roadmap to scale up MSR technology.
Other countries are also exploring MSRs, though at a slower pace. The United States has several private companies, such as Terrestrial Energy and ThorCon, working on MSR designs, but progress has been hindered by regulatory barriers and lack of federal commitment. Canada is making strides with its Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR) initiative, which has received government backing. In Europe, projects like SAMOFAR (Safety Assessment of the Molten Salt Fast Reactor) are investigating the feasibility of this technology. India, despite having the world’s largest thorium reserves, has been slow in its MSR development compared to China.
Thorium, the key element in MSR technology, is widely available, but its reserves are unevenly distributed. India holds the largest known thorium reserves, estimated at around 846,000 tonnes, followed by Brazil, Australia, the United States, Egypt, and Turkey. Despite sitting on this vast resource, India has not yet capitalized on its potential. While China is aggressively moving towards commercial MSRs, India remains focused on its three-stage nuclear program, which envisions thorium utilization in the final phase.
India has made some progress in developing thorium-based reactors. The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) has been researching the Indian Molten Salt Breeder Reactor (IMSBR), designed to use thorium efficiently. Additionally, India has developed the Advanced Heavy Water Reactor (AHWR), which can run on a mix of thorium and uranium-233. However, these projects have yet to move beyond research and pilot stages. Unlike China, which is building real-world reactors, India’s work remains largely confined to laboratories and conceptual designs.
The Indian government has expressed support for thorium-based energy, but concrete action has been slow. While institutions like the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and BARC are working on thorium-based nuclear technologies, there has been a lack of urgency in moving from research to large-scale deployment. The government’s nuclear policy has been focused on uranium-based reactors, with thorium still considered a long-term goal rather than an immediate priority.
India’s biggest challenge is the lack of an aggressive policy push. Unlike China, which has prioritized MSR technology with clear funding and policy directives, India has lagged in execution. Bureaucratic delays, funding constraints, and regulatory challenges have slowed down progress. Additionally, the absence of large-scale private sector involvement in nuclear energy has further hindered development. International collaboration on MSR technology has also been minimal, with India largely relying on domestic research institutions.
For India to truly harness its thorium reserves, urgent reforms are needed. The government must accelerate research into MSRs, allocate more funding, and establish a clear timeline for commercialization. Public-private partnerships should be encouraged to bring in fresh investment and innovation. Lessons can be drawn from China’s approach, where strong state backing has enabled rapid progress. India should also explore international collaborations to fast-track MSR deployment. If these steps are taken, India could become a global leader in clean nuclear energy.
The world is moving towards a nuclear energy revolution, and thorium-based MSRs have the potential to change the way we generate power. China has taken the lead, while other nations are making gradual progress. India, with the largest thorium reserves, has an unparalleled opportunity to become an energy superpower. However, this potential will remain unrealized unless decisive action is taken. The choice before India is clear—either move forward with urgency or watch other nations define the future of nuclear energy.
