Deployment of thorium-based power at scale is a cornerstone of India's three-stage nuclear power program, aiming for long-term, self-sustainable indigenous energy production. Thorium reactors offer advantages, including the production of less long-lived nuclear waste compared to uranium reactors. The Molten Salt Reactor (MSR), specifically the Molten Salt Breeder Reactor (MSBR) using thorium-based fuel for the third stage, operates at near atmospheric pressure, enhancing safety. However, this technology is not yet mature, and its economic implications require further examination once demonstrated on a limited scale. This information was provided by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, in a written reply to the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.
Key Entities Referenced
Molten Salt Breeder Reactor (MSBR): A specific type of reactor technology that utilizes thorium-based fuel, intended for deployment in the third stage of India's nuclear power program.
Indian three stage nuclear power programme: The overarching policy framework guiding India's nuclear energy development, which includes the deployment of thorium-based power.
Dr. Jitendra Singh: The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) who provided information on thorium-based power projects in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.
Department of Atomic Energy: The government department responsible for atomic energy matters in India, overseeing nuclear programs.
Lok Sabha: The lower house of India's Parliament, where the written reply regarding thorium-based power projects was submitted.
Department of Atomic Energy
PARLIAMENT QUESTION: THORIUM-BASED
POWER PROJECTS
Posted On: 11 MAR 2026 4:48PM by PIB Delhi
Deployment of thorium-based power at scale in the country in a manner so as to ensure a long term self-
sustainable indigenous power production is one of the cornerstones of the Indian three stage nuclear
power programme. Its advantages in the long-term energy scenario have been well established. Thorium
based reactors are also expected to produce less amounts of long-lived nuclear wastes as compared to
uranium-based reactors. Molten salt reactor (MSR) is envisaged as one of suitable technologies for
thorium utilization. The molten salt breeder reactor (MSBR) using thorium-based fuel, which are
expected to be deployed in the third stage, operates at near atmospheric pressure. This enhances its
safety. However, this technology is not yet matured and economic implications of deploying the
technology can be examined, once it is demonstrated in a limited scale.
This information was given by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology
and Earth Sciences, and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances
and Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha on
Wednesday.
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