+
Thorium Fuel From US Can Help Cut India’s Nuclear Power Cost
POWER & RENEWABLE ENERGY

Thorium Fuel From US Can Help Cut India’s Nuclear Power Cost

A cooperation between India’s engineering major Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and US-based Clean Core Thorium Energy has the potential to reduce the cost of electricity generated by India’s nuclear plants by 20-30 per cent. CCTE claims its proprietary nuclear fuel technology named Advanced Nuclear Energy for Enriched Life (ANEEL) has emerged as a promising nuclear fuel solution for powering India’s Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs). 

“Today, in the natural uranium reactors in India the levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) or the cost of electricity is about Rs 6/kWh. We are expecting that with ANEEL fuel, the cost would drop by 20-30 per cent,” said Mehul Shah, founder and chief executive officer, Clean Core Thorium Energy, in an interaction with ET Infra and ET EnergyWorld. 

Shah highlighted that the Indian authorities have expressed interest for the company to demonstrate the fuel technology in a reactor and that CCTE has applied for the relevant licence from US authorities to be in compliance with US civil nuclear technology export control norms. 

In October, the US-based advanced nuclear fuel company entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with L&T wherein the latter will help in establishing the supply chain for ANEEL fuel, by leveraging its manufacturing prowess. L&T has had several decades of experience of being engaged in India’s nuclear sector as an engineering and construction player. 

Currently in the advanced stages of testing at Idaho National Laboratory, ANEEL fuel is made of thorium and a small amount of enriched uranium, suitable for use in PHWRs, predominantly used by India. 

According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, thorium is a more abundant and efficient substitute for uranium, the dominant nuclear fuel. 

“It (Thorium) actually delivers the most advanced benefits like proliferation resistance, reduction of waste by over 85 per cent and in turn giving you a cost benefit, improved safety,” said Shah.                                                                                                                

A cooperation between India’s engineering major Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and US-based Clean Core Thorium Energy has the potential to reduce the cost of electricity generated by India’s nuclear plants by 20-30 per cent. CCTE claims its proprietary nuclear fuel technology named Advanced Nuclear Energy for Enriched Life (ANEEL) has emerged as a promising nuclear fuel solution for powering India’s Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs). “Today, in the natural uranium reactors in India the levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) or the cost of electricity is about Rs 6/kWh. We are expecting that with ANEEL fuel, the cost would drop by 20-30 per cent,” said Mehul Shah, founder and chief executive officer, Clean Core Thorium Energy, in an interaction with ET Infra and ET EnergyWorld. Shah highlighted that the Indian authorities have expressed interest for the company to demonstrate the fuel technology in a reactor and that CCTE has applied for the relevant licence from US authorities to be in compliance with US civil nuclear technology export control norms. In October, the US-based advanced nuclear fuel company entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with L&T wherein the latter will help in establishing the supply chain for ANEEL fuel, by leveraging its manufacturing prowess. L&T has had several decades of experience of being engaged in India’s nuclear sector as an engineering and construction player. Currently in the advanced stages of testing at Idaho National Laboratory, ANEEL fuel is made of thorium and a small amount of enriched uranium, suitable for use in PHWRs, predominantly used by India. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, thorium is a more abundant and efficient substitute for uranium, the dominant nuclear fuel. “It (Thorium) actually delivers the most advanced benefits like proliferation resistance, reduction of waste by over 85 per cent and in turn giving you a cost benefit, improved safety,” said Shah.                                                                                                                

Next Story
Real Estate

Shriram Properties Launches ‘Codename: The One’ in Bengaluru

Shriram Properties (SPL), a leading real estate developer focused on the mid-market and mid-premium segments, has announced the launch of its latest residential project under the banner “Codename: The One” in Bengaluru’s Electronic City corridor. This feature-rich gated community will offer 340 spacious 2- and 3-BHK residences, with a total saleable area of approximately 5 lakh square feet and an estimated revenue potential of over Rs 3.5 billion. The project is expected to be developed over a span of more than three years.  Strategically located near the Bommasandra Metro stat..

Next Story
Resources

India Warehousing Show 2025 Closes with Strong Global Presence

The 14th edition of the India Warehousing Show (IWS) 2025 concluded successfully at Yashobhoomi (IICC), Dwarka, drawing participation from over 300 exhibitors across 15 countries and welcoming 15,000+ visitors. Recognised as India’s leading platform for warehousing and logistics excellence, IWS 2025 offered a comprehensive display of cutting-edge automation, sustainable warehousing solutions, and next-gen supply chain technologies. The show was inaugurated by Shri Pankaj Kumar, Joint Secretary – Logistics, DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. In his opening a..

Next Story
Equipment

MHIET Launches 450kW Gas Cogeneration System with H₂ Co-Firing

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Engine & Turbocharger (MHIET), part of the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Group, has launched a new 450kW gas cogeneration system, the SGP M450, jointly developed with Toho Gas Co.,. The system supports hydrogen co-firing at up to 15 vol per cent, with no loss in performance or reliability.  The system is currently available in the Japanese market, and has been developed from the existing GS6R2 city gas engine platform. Key modifications were made to the fuel gas and engine control systems to enable hydrogen co-firing.   Verified through de..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?