China is developing the world’s first accelerator-driven subcritical reactor, known as CiADS, to transmute long-lived nuclear waste into shorter-lived materials.

 

China is developing the world’s first accelerator-driven subcritical reactor, known as CiADS, to transmute long-lived nuclear waste into shorter-lived materials. The 1-megawatt prototype in Guangdong is expected to begin operation in 2027.

The hybrid system uses a powerful particle accelerator to generate neutrons, helping destroy hazardous actinides while extracting far more energy from nuclear fuel. Supporters say it could greatly reduce the time some radioactive waste remains hazardous, potentially from tens of thousands of years to under 1,000 years.

China is also advancing molten-salt thorium reactor technology, which could produce less long-lived waste than conventional reactors. Together, the two systems represent a major push toward nuclear power that uses fuel more efficiently and leaves behind less persistent radioactive waste.

Sources:

IAEA

SCMP