US nuclear fuel milestone: Thorium-uranium blend lasts 8 times longer than usual

Clean Core Thorium Energy says its ANEEL thorium-enriched uranium fuel completed multiyear irradiation testing at Idaho National Laboratory’s Advanced Test Reactor.

The fuel exceeded 60 GWd/MTU burnup, or more than eight times typical levels, with post-test analysis showing strong structural performance.

The result is a key milestone toward a commercial reactor demonstration, especially for pressurized heavy water reactors and CANDU units.

If deployed, thorium-based fuel could improve fuel use, extend reactor life, and help cut waste in low-carbon power generation.