MSR
Molten Salt Reactor
Molten salt reactor (MSR) uses liquid fluoride or chloride salts as fuel, coolant, and sometimes moderator at atmospheric pressure.
Thorium or uranium dissolved in salt operates at 600-800°C; historic ORNL MSRE (8 MWth) ran 1965-1969. Modern designs like Terrestrial Energy IMSR target 195 MWe. Online reprocessing reduces waste.
Why it matters now
MSR developers like Kairos Power secure 2026 DOE demos for data center PPAs; salt corrosion R&D accelerates amid Gen IV interest.