Clean Core Thorium Energy (CCTE) has engaged Kinectrics Inc., a division of BWX Technologies Inc. (NYSE: BWXT), to conduct an independent technical review of its ANEEL fuel qualification program as the company advances toward commercial reactor demonstration.

Kinectrics will assess key aspects of the ANEEL fuel program, including fuel design, manufacturing, safety, and regulatory readiness. The review is intended to support future evaluation by utility Fuel Design Authorities and other stakeholders ahead of a planned commercial demonstration irradiation.

The engagement follows previously announced partnerships with BWXT Canada Ltd. for the supply of CANDU fuel bundle hardware and with Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) for fabrication of full-scale, reactor-ready ANEEL fuel bundles.

"Kinectrics brings world-class expertise in nuclear safety analysis and licensing support, making them one of the most trusted independent evaluators in the nuclear industry," said Milan Shah, COO of Clean Core Thorium Energy. "Their independent evaluation provides critical validation as we progress toward regulatory approval and future deployment."

ANEEL is a fuel design combining thorium and enriched uranium, with stated applications across Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors, Gen IV reactors, and Light Water Reactors. According to CCTE, the fuel is designed for use in existing CANDU reactors without requiring major reactor modifications.

Earlier this year, ANEEL completed accelerated irradiation testing at Idaho National Laboratory's Advanced Test Reactor, achieving burnups exceeding 60 GWd/MTU. CCTE also published an engineering assessment in the journal Nuclear Engineering and Design, published by Elsevier, covering the fuel's performance and safety characteristics.