Archive · 1 Jan 2026
US Firm & NTPC Partner for Thorium Energy
A company from the US called Clean Core Thorium Energy (CCTE) is teaming up with India's biggest power company, NTPC.
They want to use thorium, a special material found in India, to make nuclear energy.
This could help India make its own nuclear fuel instead of buying it from other countries.
Thorium is better because it makes less waste and is safer.
The Indian government recently passed a law that allows private companies to be part of the nuclear energy sector.
This partnership is a big step towards making India more self-sufficient in energy.
Clean Core Thorium Energy (CCTE) and NTPC Ltd are partnering to develop thorium-based nuclear fuel.
NTPC's Board approved a minority equity investment in CCTE, subject to government clearances.
Thorium is more abundant in India and produces less radioactive waste compared to uranium.
The SHANTI Act, 2025 allows private players, including foreign entities, to participate in India's nuclear sector.
CCTE's ANEEL fuel can be used in India's existing Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) to enhance energy security.
- Who
- Clean Core Thorium Energy (CCTE) and NTPC Ltd
- What
- Partnership to develop thorium as an alternative to uranium for nuclear reactors
- When
- NTPC Board cleared investment; exact timeline for implementation not specified
- Where
- India, with thorium deposits in multiple states
- Why
- To enhance India's energy security, reduce dependence on imported uranium, and align with India's broader strategic objectives in the nuclear sector
- Companies Involved
- Clean Core Thorium Energy (CCTE) and NTPC Ltd
- Thorium Advantages
- More abundant, less radioactive waste, lower proliferation risk
- NTPC's Goal
- 30GWe of atomic energy capacity by 2047
- SHANTI Act
- Allows private players in nuclear sector
- Thorium Deposits
- Coastal sands of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and inland sands of Jharkhand and West Bengal
- PHWRs Worldwide
- 45 operating, 19 in India
- CCTE's Fuel
- ANEEL (Advanced Nuclear Energy for Enriched Life)
- Thorium Transformation
- Transforms into fissile uranium-233