A long-abandoned US nuclear technology is making a comeback in China
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Summary
Chinese scientists say they have become the first to operate a nuclear reactor using thorium as a fuel, according to Chinese state media, in what is seen as a milestone for nuclear energy.
Thorium replaces uranium as a nuclear fuel in the new reactor, which has now been refuelled without having to shut down.
While the technology was originally developed decades ago, it was eventually abandoned in favour of uranium as the world settled on standardised uranium reactors.
However, a renewed interest in different kinds of nuclear technology could be key in helping the nuclear industry receive a much-needed boost, according to the MIT Technology Review.
As well as thorium, old ideas such as molten-salt reactors, which use molten fluoride salts as a coolant and for neutron moderation, are once again being investigated.