National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Limited and Clean Core Thorium Energy (CCTE), a U.S.-based company, have announced a collaboration to explore the development and deployment of a thorium-based nuclear fuel called ANEEL (Advanced Nuclear Energy for Enriched Life) for use in Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs). The initiative is subject to approval by the respective governments.
The partnership aims to evaluate the feasibility of utilizing ANEEL fuel, which combines thorium with small amounts of enriched uranium, in India’s existing PHWR reactors. According to information provided in a joint press release, potential benefits of this fuel include reducing nuclear waste, enhancing energy security through the use of domestically available thorium, and improving reactor safety and proliferation resistance. The fuel is also expected to lower operating costs by increasing energy output within current safety margins.
The collaboration includes exploring the following areas:
- Development and deployment of ANEEL fuel in India.
- Localization of ANEEL fuel manufacturing and supply chain development.
- Establishment of supply chains for High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU).
- Secure uranium supply to India under a sovereign guarantee.
This initiative aligns with NTPC’s strategy to expand its clean energy portfolio, which includes ventures into renewable and nuclear energy. CCTE specializes in thorium-based nuclear fuel technologies, focusing on advanced fuel cycles.
In a joint statement, NTPC’s General Manager of the Nuclear Cell, A.P. Samal, and CCTE’s CEO, Mehul Shah, highlighted the partnership’s potential to foster innovation in nuclear energy through ANEEL fuel technology.