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Nuclear Reactors: Thorium

Question for Department for Energy Security and Net Zero

UIN 52539, tabled on 14 May 2025

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of developing thorium-based molten salt reactors in the UK.

Answered on

22 May 2025

Nuclear is a key part of the government's national mission to be a clean energy superpower. The government believes that Advanced Nuclear Technologies (ANTs) could play an important role in helping the UK achieve energy security and clean power while securing thousands of good, skilled jobs.

DESNZ is aware of and monitors the progress of a wide range of advanced reactors in design development by companies around the world, including Thorium Molten Salt reactors.