New Delhi, January 6. State-owned power producer NTPC has confirmed it is in discussions to acquire a minority stake in US-based nuclear fuel technology company Clean Core Thorium Energy (CCTE), as it steps up efforts to expand its nuclear power portfolio.
Responding to a query from the BSE on January 2, NTPC said it routinely evaluates investment opportunities in India and overseas and, as part of this process, is considering a minority investment in CCTE. The company added that any such move would be subject to due diligence and all necessary statutory and regulatory clearances.
NTPC did not provide further details on the negotiations. However, sources had earlier indicated that the utility is exploring several international partnerships in nuclear technology and fuel supply, including a potential equity investment in CCTE, to support its long-term nuclear plans.
CCTE has developed a patented nuclear fuel known as ANEEL, which combines thorium with enriched uranium. The company says the fuel can be used in existing pressurised heavy water reactors (PHWRs) and CANDU-type reactors, potentially allowing countries like India to tap into thorium-based nuclear power without major changes to reactor design.
The talks come as NTPC looks to build about 30 GW of nuclear capacity through company-owned projects across multiple locations in India. This aligns with the government’s broader target of achieving 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047.
