Anil Kakodkar, former Chairman of India's Atomic Energy Commission, has strongly advocated for India to consider US-based thorium fuel technology to achieve its ambitious nuclear power generation target. Kakodkar believes that relying solely on the country's traditional three-stage nuclear program may not be sufficient to reach 100 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear capacity by 2047.
India's long-standing nuclear strategy involves a three-stage program designed to utilize its vast thorium reserves. While significant progress has been made, particularly with achievements like the Kalpakkam Fast Breeder Reactor, the full implementation of thorium-based reactors remains a work in progress over decades.
Accelerating Thorium Use with New Technology
Kakodkar suggests an altered path, leveraging innovations from companies like Clean Core Thorium Energy (CCTE), a US-based startup. CCTE has developed a novel fuel that combines thorium with high-assay low enriched uranium (HALEU). This blended fuel is compatible with India's existing Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), which constitute the majority of the nation's operational nuclear fleet and many under development.
National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) has already partnered with CCTE to indigenize fuel manufacturing. Kakodkar views CCTE's technology as an interim measure, a crucial bridge to Stage 3 of India's nuclear program. Stage 3 reactors require an initial load of Uranium-233, a material not found naturally but bred from thorium through neutron bombardment.
"Introduce the thorium uranium-based fuel in stage one of the new capacity of the operational PHWRs. By irradiating thorium, you start building Uranium 233, not found naturally. It comes out as spent fuel inventory and is needed as fuel for Stage 3 of the nuclear programme. We can use this route also for energy independence as a bridge. So, this is a good method to lift to stage three, while stage two development can continue," Kakodkar explained.
The Need for Collaboration and Self-Reliance
When questioned why India hadn't developed a similar thorium-uranium fuel for its existing reactors, Kakodkar acknowledged some experimental efforts but highlighted the absence of Advanced Heavy Water Reactors capable of increasing fuel burn-up. He emphasized the importance of self-reliance in technology development but also recognized the necessity of collaboration when domestic timelines are not met.
Drawing parallels, Kakodkar noted India's current reliance on imported enriched uranium for facilities like Kudankulam. He underscored that while efforts to improve domestic value addition are continuous, strategic collaborations can provide vital pathways to energy independence and accelerated progress in the nuclear sector.