The Energy Management Centre – Kerala (EMC) has initiated a crucial ‘model study’ to explore how the state can strategically harness its abundant thorium reserves for future energy production. This move signifies Kerala’s commitment to evaluating diverse energy sources for sustainable development.
As part of this comprehensive assessment, EMC Director R. Harikumar is slated to visit Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu later this year. Kalpakkam is home to India’s pioneering indigenous fast breeder reactor (500 MWe), currently under advanced stages of development, offering valuable insights into next-generation nuclear technology.
Kerala’s Electricity Minister, K. Krishnankutty, recently confirmed in the Assembly that the state government will carefully review the EMC director’s detailed report. Any future actions regarding thorium utilization will only proceed after thorough consideration and the establishment of broad public consensus.
However, officials from the Power department emphasize that developing commercially viable thorium-based nuclear reactors is a long-term endeavor, likely spanning several years. This aligns with the Union government’s 2019 statement from the Department of Atomic Energy, which outlined India’s intention to leverage its vast thorium reserves as a “long-term option” for energy security. It’s important to note that thorium-232 cannot directly fuel a reactor; it must first be transmuted into Uranium-233 within a reactor before it can be used as fissile material.
India’s ambitious nuclear program envisions the widespread use of thorium in its third stage. The anticipated commissioning of the Kalpakkam fast breeder reactor in 2026 will signify a critical transition into the second stage of this program. Initially, this advanced reactor will operate using a uranium-plutonium mixed oxide as its primary fuel source.