Advanced Nuclear Energy for Enriched Life (ANEEL)

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Why in News?

Recently, NTPC and Clean Core Thorium Energy are exploring the deployment of thorium-based ANEEL fuel in India’s PHWRs.

ANEEL – It is a thorium-based advanced nuclear fuel designed for use in India’s Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs).
Developed by – Clean Core Thorium Energy (CCTE), in collaboration with National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC).

As of 2026, India operates 24 nuclear reactors with a combined installed capacity of about 8,780 MW.

Features – Fuel Composition – Thorium blended with small amounts of enriched uranium (HALEU).
Reactor Compatibility – Can be deployed directly in India’s existing PHWRs.
Cost Impact – Current nuclear power cost in India is about Rs. 6/kWh.
With ANEEL fuel, electricity cost is expected to drop by 20–30%.
Waste Reduction – Thorium-based ANEEL fuel can reduce nuclear waste by over 85%.
- Lowers the generation of long-lived radioactive nuclear waste.
Significance – Energy Security – Uses domestically available thorium to reduce dependence on imported nuclear fuel.
Safety – Improves reactor safety and proliferation resistance.
Cost Efficiency – Greater energy output within existing safety margins and lowering operating costs.

Quick Facts

Thorium –

It is a naturally occurring weakly radioactive metal (Th, atomic no. 90) found in rocks and soil.
Nuclear Potential – Fertile element, meaning it is not fissile on its own but converted into fissile Uranium-233 in reactors.
Abundance – Mainly obtained from monazite; found in India, Brazil, Australia, USA.
- Indian Reserve – Coastal monazite sands in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat.
- Inland deposits in Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu.
Monazite contains ~9–10% thorium oxide.

SHANTI Act, 2025 –

Stands for – Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India.
Permits – Private Indian companies and joint ventures to build, own, operate, and decommission nuclear power plants.
Repeals – Atomic Energy Act (1962) and Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (2010) to create a unified modern nuclear framework.

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