US Firm CCTE Achieves Major Thorium Fuel Breakthrough NOW

URGENT UPDATE: Clean Core Thorium Energy (CCTE) has just announced a groundbreaking achievement in nuclear energy, reaching a burnup level of over 45 gigawatt-days per metric ton (GWd/MTU) with its innovative thorium-based fuel at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). This milestone represents a significant advancement over traditional nuclear fuels and could redefine the future of sustainable energy.

The latest breakthrough was confirmed on August 14, 2025, as CCTE reported that the second set of four rodlets from its patented Advanced Nuclear Energy for Enriched Life (ANEELTM) fuel surpassed burnup levels previously considered unattainable. This achievement follows the successful irradiation of an initial set of four rodlets, which exceeded 20 GWd/MTU last year. The current results demonstrate a burnup that is six to seven times higher than the average discharge levels for conventional Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) and CANDU reactors.

CCTE’s innovative approach combines thorium with High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU), positioning ANEELTM fuel as a safer and more efficient alternative for both current and future nuclear reactor fleets worldwide. The newly irradiated rodlets are now cooling in the ATR water pool and will soon undergo detailed examination at INL’s Materials and Fuels Complex (MFC). The final four rodlets will remain in the reactor, with projections indicating they could exceed burnup levels of 60 GWd/MTU.

The implications of this breakthrough are profound, as it significantly enhances the sustainability and safety of nuclear energy. CCTE’s founder and CEO, Mehul Shah, emphasized the importance of this moment, stating:

“This second burnup milestone is a transformative moment for CCTE and for the future of nuclear energy. ANEELTM fuel is not just demonstrating superior technical performance—it’s proving that thorium-based solutions can meaningfully address global challenges of energy security, nuclear waste, and proliferation.”

Experts are noting the immediate potential of this technology. Dr. Koroush Shirvan, Head of Fuel Design at CCTE and a professor at MIT, highlighted that this data positions ANEELTM fuel as a prime candidate for near-term deployment in PHWRs. Additionally, Dr. Michael Worrall, Technical Lead for the CCTE ATR Irradiation at INL, remarked on the promising future for thorium-based fuels in supporting global energy goals.

The collaboration between CCTE and INL stands as a model for public-private partnerships in advancing nuclear technology. Dr. Daniel Wachs, National Technical Director for the DOE Advanced Fuels Campaign, noted the significance of this partnership, stating:

“The partnership between INL and CCTE is a great example of how INL and private sector innovators can collaborate to rapidly develop advanced nuclear technologies with the potential to impact the marketplace worldwide.”

As the world grapples with the challenges of energy security and climate change, CCTE’s advancements in thorium fuel technology could play a pivotal role in shaping a cleaner, more sustainable nuclear future.

Stay tuned for further updates as the results of this milestone are analyzed and the broader implications for energy policy unfold.