
Djole ๐ท๐ธ
@onlydjole
๐จ๐ณ โข๏ธโผ๏ธChina announces the discovery of fuel reserves sufficient for 60 thousand yearsโผ๏ธ Recently released data from a declassified geological report indicates that thorium reserves in China may be far greater than previously thought, which could provide the country with energy resources for as long as 60,000 years. ๐
According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the Bayan-Obo mining area in Inner Mongolia alone may contain up to a million tons of this metal. Thorium as an energy alternative to uranium shows significant potential - it can provide even 200 times more energy than uranium. This could provide China with an almost inexhaustible energy resource, thereby reducing dependence on fossil fuels and other imported energy sources. ๐
Thorium โ a potential solution for China's energy security One of the Chinese geologists, who wished to remain anonymous, emphasized the importance of this discovery: "For more than a century, states have fought wars over fossil fuels. It turns out that an inexhaustible source of energy is located directly under our feet." According to the SCMP, there is enough thorium in the ore waste materials generated by iron mining in the Bayan-Obo region to meet the energy needs of Chinese households for more than a thousand years. This information further emphasizes thorium's enormous potential as an alternative source of energy. ๐
Plans for the construction of the first thorium power plant China has already started implementing ambitious plans for the exploitation of thorium. In the Gobi desert, by 2029, it is planned to open the world's first power plant based on thorium with molten salt, with a power of up to 10 megawatts. This experimental project could mark the beginning of a new energy era and a global shift towards the use of thorium as a stable and long-lasting energy source. A 2020 geological survey identified 233 zones in China with high concentrations of thorium. This metal is often found in ores along with rare earth elements, especially in Guangdong and Fujian provinces, as well as on Hainan Island. This means that China, in addition to dominating the market of rare earth metals, could also become a leader in the production of thorium. ๐
Challenges in the exploitation of thorium Although thorium's potential looks extremely promising, its commercial use still faces obstacles. The key problem is the complexity of extraction - thorium is often bound to other minerals, which requires intensive chemical processes and the use of large amounts of acids and energy. This not only increases the cost of exploitation, but also raises environmental issues, considering the possible impact on the environment. China is known for its aggressive strategy of developing new technologies and infrastructure. If it successfully solves the technical challenges, it can expect an energy boom that would further strengthen its position in the global economy. ๐
Geopolitical consequences and competition with other powers China's increased thorium reserves come at a time when many countries are looking for alternative energy sources due to rising fossil fuel prices and political uncertainties. The issue of energy self-sufficiency is becoming increasingly important in the context of increasingly complex international relations. It is interesting that other great powers, such as the USA and Russia, recognized the importance of thorium and rare earth metals. Russia has already announced a significant increase in the production of rare metals, and even possible cooperation with the United States of America in this field. ๐
This move can be seen as part of a broader strategy to diversify energy sources and reduce dependence on traditional fossil fuels. However, China is in an advantageous position because it already dominates the global rare earth market, allowing it to launch thorium energy projects more quickly and efficiently. If it successfully develops technologies for its extraction and use, it could become the first country in the world to use thorium on a large scale as a primary energy resource. ๐
One of the key factors in the future of energy policy The discovery of much larger thorium reserves in China than previously estimated could drastically change the global energy landscape. China is already working on technological solutions for its exploitation, and if it successfully develops and implements thorium reactors, it could provide itself with energy self-sufficiency for tens of thousands of years. Although there are technical and environmental challenges, it is clear that thorium represents one of the key factors in the future of China's energy policy. ๐
Its potential is not only in the supply of domestic consumption, but also in the possibility of exporting energy and technology on a global level, which would further strengthen China's position in the world economy. ๐๐๐ https://youtu.be/G976M67PVJg?s...
โ๏ธA million kilometres without refuelling: why no one is making cars with thorium, the 'most powerful fuel'?โ๏ธ๐๐ค https://www.xataka.com/energia...