NTPC Eyes US Thorium Startup Stake for India's Nuclear Future

• NTPC, India's largest power company, is considering acquiring a minority stake in US clean energy startup Clean Core Thorium Energy (CCTE).
• The strategic investment aims to accelerate India's nuclear roadmap and gain early access to advanced thorium fuel technology.
• CCTE develops ANEEL fuel, a thorium and low-enriched uranium blend, compatible with existing Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs).
• Thorium fuel offers benefits like enhanced safety, reduced radioactive waste, lower plutonium generation, and leverages India's vast thorium reserves in Kerala.
• This move supports NTPC's target of 10,000 MW nuclear capacity by 2032 and India's 2070 net-zero goal, strengthening its position in the global nuclear race.

Why It Matters: NTPC's potential CCTE investment is crucial for India's energy security and nuclear self-reliance using thorium.