India’s power sector could soon gain access to thorium, a resource long considered a strategic asset for the country’s future nuclear energy programme. The proposed move is expected to support research, technology development, and the long-term expansion of clean, reliable nuclear power, leveraging India’s vast thorium reserves.
Move Could Accelerate India’s Long-Term Nuclear Energy Goals
The government is reportedly considering policy changes that would allow the power sector to access thorium for peaceful energy applications. India possesses one of the world’s largest thorium reserves, but its commercial use has remained limited due to regulatory restrictions and the need for advanced reactor technology.
If approved, the policy could pave the way for faster development of Advanced Heavy Water Reactors (AHWRs) and other next-generation nuclear technologies designed to utilize thorium as fuel. Unlike conventional uranium-based reactors, thorium offers the potential for improved fuel efficiency, lower long-lived radioactive waste, and enhanced energy security.
Industry experts believe broader access to thorium would strengthen India’s efforts to diversify its energy mix, reduce dependence on imported fuels, and support the country’s net-zero ambitions. While commercial deployment will require significant technological progress and regulatory approvals, the move signals a renewed push toward harnessing indigenous resources for sustainable power generation.