• As per joint press release by NTPC and CCTE, they are exploring development and deployment of ANEEL, a Thorium based fuel for PHWR reactors, in India subject to approval from respective governments in line with prevailing national laws.
• The natural Uranium Oxide based fuel will continue to be deployed in our current fleet of PHWRs, representing an optimised and efficient utilisation of our limited Uranium resources in a sustained manner through the 3-stage program. With regard to waste, India is following a closed fuel cycle where the spent fuel is reprocessed to recover valuable fissile material for use in our second stage of nuclear program.
• India has a well-articulated 3 stage program that allows optimal utilization of our limited Uranium resources for attaining long term energy security through deployment of Thorium in a self-sustaining 3rd stage supported by a second stage involving Fast Breeder Reactors.
• All the collaborations in the field of nuclear energy will be consistent with the provisions of the SHANTI Act. The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board has a robust framework of regulatory oversight of nuclear facilities and has now been accorded statutory status with the passing of the SHANTI Act.
• Allowing private sector participation and undertaking all the steps to facilitate such advanced technology partnerships in line with the provisions of the SHANTI Act.

This information was given by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.

*****

AK/SK