Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and Clean Core Thorium Energy (CCTE), a US-based advanced nuclear fuel company, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on providing efficient solutions globally in clean energy through the CCTE’s patented ANEEL fuel (Advanced Nuclear Energy for Enriched Life). The ANEEL fuel will promote clean energy, non-proliferation, enhanced safety, decarbonisation of hard-to-abate industries and circular economy.

The ANEEL fuel is made of thorium and enriched uranium developed for use in Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR), Canada Deuterium Uranium (CANDU) Reactors and Advanced Nuclear Reactors. Proliferation-resistant ANEEL fuel is expected to significantly reduce life-cycle operating costs and the waste produced (by over 85% while improving safety due to its Accident- Tolerant Fuel characteristics). Also, the ANEEL fuel will offer added advantage of energy security by large scale deployment of thorium and reduce uranium consumption. 

Under a Strategic Partnership Project Agreement with the US Department of Energy (DOE), CCTE’s ANEEL fuel is currently undergoing accelerated irradiation testing and qualification in the Advanced Test Reactor at Idaho National Lab, and is on its way to achieving planned burn-up targets of up to 60 GWd/T. Clean Core has also been actively partnering and engaging with key industry players including regulators, utilities and suppliers to achieve the successful commercialisation of the ANEEL fuel by 2026. 

Larsen & Toubro is an Indian multinational engaged in technology, engineering, construction, manufacturing and financial services.