The Download: China’s energy throwback, and choosing between love and immortality

technologyreview.comPublished: 5/1/2025

Summary

China has unveiled an experimental nuclear reactor using thorium fuel, marking a significant milestone in clean energy development. This innovation underscores the nation's push toward leadership in nuclear energy, surpassing France but still trailing the U.S. in both production capacity and output. The reactor's ability to refuel while operational highlights a broader trend of re-examining older technologies for modern applications.