Thorizon, a Dutch-French startup, is revolutionizing nuclear energy with its molten salt reactor (MSR) technology. The company’s flagship project, Thorizon One, plans to deliver 100 megawatts (MW) of clean electricity by using a unique fuel blend of long-lived nuclear waste and thorium—an abundant, safer alternative to uranium.
Turning Nuclear Waste into Clean Energy
Traditional nuclear reactors generate long-lived radioactive waste, which creates serious storage and environmental challenges. However, Thorizon’s MSR design directly addresses this issue. The reactor uses molten salt to cool the system and carry the fuel, enabling it to recycle spent nuclear fuel. Additionally, when Thorizon adds thorium to the mix, the system not only produces energy but also reduces the toxicity and lifespan of nuclear waste, advancing a cleaner and more sustainable fuel cycle.
Key Features of Thorizon One
Thorizon One brings several innovative features that set it apart:
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The reactor will generate 100 MW of electricity, enough to power around 250,000 households.
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It will produce 250 MW of thermal energy at 550°C, making it suitable for industrial applications like hydrogen production.
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Thorizon has designed the reactor with a “walk-away safe” feature, which automatically shuts it down during emergencies—without human intervention.
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The reactor features replaceable fuel cartridges, which make maintenance easier and support future scalability.
A Step Toward a Sustainable Energy Future
By turning nuclear waste into a valuable resource, Thorizon is offering a bold and effective solution to the intertwined challenges of waste management and carbon-free energy generation. The company aims to deploy its first Thorizon One reactor by the mid-2030s, setting the stage for a more sustainable, secure, and circular energy future across Europe.
