Thorium in Indian Nuclear Reactors: Kakodkar Pushes Early Shift
Former Atomic Energy Commission chairman Anil Kakodkar has called for the early use of thorium in Indian nuclear reactors, arguing that the country should reduce its dependence on imported uranium while making greater use of its domestic thorium resources.
Kakodkar has suggested introducing thorium-based fuel into India’s indigenous pressurised heavy water reactor (PHWR) fleet while continuing with the country’s existing three-stage nuclear programme. The approach, according to his remarks to The Indian Express, could accelerate the utilisation of India’s thorium reserves.
The push for thorium in Indian nuclear reactors is linked to India’s long-term nuclear strategy. Kakodkar said the shift towards domestic thorium should begin as early as possible rather than waiting for the existing programme to reach later stages.
India’s three-stage nuclear power programme was conceived in the 1950s by Homi Jehangir Bhabha, who played a central role in developing the country’s nuclear programme. The strategy has historically placed thorium at an important stage of India’s long-term nuclear plans.
Kakodkar also pointed to changing global interest in nuclear fuel. He said the world is moving from uranium towards thorium and argued that this could increase the relevance of PHWR technology, particularly for emerging economies.
The proposal for thorium-based nuclear fuel does not call for abandoning India’s three-stage programme. Instead, Kakodkar has advocated pursuing thorium use in existing indigenous reactor technology alongside the broader strategy.
The focus is partly on reducing uranium import dependency. Greater use of domestic resources could give India another route for meeting its long-term nuclear fuel requirements, although the source does not provide a specific timeline or target for such a transition.
For the nuclear sector, the discussion also connects reactor technology with fuel availability. Kakodkar’s comments suggest that India’s PHWR fleet could have a role in bringing thorium into the country’s nuclear energy programme sooner.
The proposed early use of thorium in Indian nuclear reactors would require continued work on fuel technology and reactor deployment. The source does not specify which PHWR units would adopt thorium-based fuel or when commercial use could begin.
Kakodkar’s position keeps thorium within India’s wider nuclear strategy while calling for earlier implementation. The debate is likely to remain focused on how quickly domestic thorium resources can be integrated alongside the existing programme and reduce reliance on imported uranium.