National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) has confirmed that it is in discussions to acquire a minority stake in US-based nuclear fuel technology firm Clean Core Thorium Energy (CCTE), as the state-owned power producer accelerates its push into nuclear energy.
Responding to a clarification sought by the BSE, NTPC said it routinely evaluates investment opportunities in both domestic and overseas markets. “In this context, the company is, inter alia, exploring a minority investment in Clean Core Thorium Energy,” the PSU stated. It added that any investment would be subject to due diligence and the necessary statutory and regulatory approvals. No further details were disclosed on the ongoing discussions.
According to a PTI report, NTPC is actively pursuing international partnerships to strengthen its nuclear capabilities, including potential equity participation in CCTE. The company has reportedly signed non-disclosure agreements with global nuclear energy majors such as Russia’s Rosatom and France’s EDF to explore collaboration on deploying large pressurised water reactor projects in India.
Clean Core Thorium Energy has developed a patented nuclear fuel known as ANEEL, which combines thorium with enriched uranium. The company claims the fuel is compatible with existing pressurised heavy water reactors (PHWR) and CANDU reactors, enabling the use of thorium within current nuclear infrastructure.
NTPC’s nuclear roadmap includes plans to develop nearly 30 GW of company-owned nuclear capacity across multiple locations in India, aligning with the government’s long-term objective of achieving 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047. The PSU is targeting the commissioning of around 2 GW of nuclear capacity by 2032.
At present, NTPC is developing a nuclear power project in Rajasthan through a joint venture with Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL), with an estimated investment of about ₹42,000 crore. The company has also stepped up efforts to identify suitable land parcels in states such as Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, with final site selection subject to approval from the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board.
Founded in 1975 as a thermal power producer, NTPC has progressively diversified into multiple energy segments. The company currently has a group-level installed capacity exceeding 85,000 MW, spanning coal, gas, hydro and renewable energy sources.
