Thorium and India’s Long-Term Energy Security

Explore how thorium can strengthen India’s long-term energy security through sustainable nuclear power, reduced import dependence, advanced reactor technology, and clean energy transition goals.

Table of Contents

Context

India’s push towards a 100 GWe nuclear energy mission by 2047 have renewed focus on thorium-based nuclear energy for long-term energy security.

Importance of Thorium in Energy Security

Abundant Domestic Resource: India possesses nearly 25% of global thorium reserves, providing long-term indigenous fuel availability.
Reducing Uranium Import Dependence: Rising global uranium demand and geopolitical uncertainties may create nuclear fuel-supply risks within 10–15 years.
Thorium-HALEU Fuel Pathway: Thorium-HALEU fuel can improve fuel efficiency, safety, waste minimisation and proliferation resistance while accelerating thorium utilisation.
Thorium Molten Salt Reactor (TMSR): TMSRs are considered ideal Stage-III reactors for sustainable thorium-based electricity generation.
Higher Fuel Utilisation: Thorium-U-233 fuel cycle offers significantly higher energy extraction compared to conventional uranium fuel cycles.
Long-Term Strategic Advantage: Thorium-based systems can help India transition from a major energy importer to a long-term clean-energy producer.

Current Nuclear Power Landscape in India

● Installed Capacity: India’s nuclear capacity is 8.78 GW; generation 56,681 million units in 2024–25.

● Electricity Share: Nuclear contributes 3% of India’s electricity (3.1% in 2024–25).

● Expansion Plans: Capacity projected to reach 22.38 GW by 2031–32 (fleet deployment of 700 MW PHWRs + ~1000 MW reactors via international cooperation).

● International Cooperation: India has civil nuclear cooperation agreements with 18 countries, supporting fuel supply and reactor technology partnerships.

Long-Term Mission

● 100 GW Target: India aims for 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047 under the Nuclear Energy Mission (Budget 2025–26), supporting net-zero emissions by 2070.

● Financial Support: Nuclear Energy Mission allocates ₹20,000 crore for Small Modular Reactor (SMR) design and deployment.

● SMR Deployment: Target of ≥5 indigenous SMRs operational by 2033.

● BARC Innovations: Development of next-generation reactors (BSMR-200(with 200 MWe capacity), SMR-55, high-temperature gas-cooled reactor 5 MWth for hydrogen production).

● SHANTI Act 2025: New legal framework enabling regulated private participation and investment in the nuclear sector.

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