Breakthrough Thorium Fuel Achieves Record Burnup in Reactor Tests
Clean Core Thorium Energy has taken a major step forward in developing its advanced ANEEL fuel. The company recently signed an agreement with Canadian Nuclear Laboratories to produce demonstration irradiation bundles. These will be tested in a commercial power reactor to prove the fuel’s readiness for real-world use. In May 2024, twelve ANEEL fuel rodlets were loaded into Idaho National Laboratory’s Advanced Test Reactor. The test aimed for three burnup levels: 20, 40, and 60 GWd/MTU. Eight of the rodlets quickly surpassed the first two targets and are now undergoing detailed post-irradiation checks.
Four rodlets achieved the highest goal, exceeding 60 GWd/MTU—over eight times the typical burnup of standard PHWR and Candu reactors. Early results show the fuel performs reliably, with some rodlets retaining fission gas better than traditional uranium dioxide fuel. The design keeps the same outer shape as existing PHWR and Candu fuel, ensuring compatibility with current reactor systems. The next phase involves a demonstration irradiation in a working commercial reactor. This will help transition ANEEL fuel from a test concept to a market-ready product.
The successful tests mark a key milestone for Clean Core Thorium Energy. With burnup levels far beyond conventional fuels, ANEEL could offer improved efficiency in existing reactors. The company now moves closer to full-scale commercial deployment.
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