Daily Current Affairs : 10-January-2024
Clean Core Thorium Energy, a Chicago-based company, has introduced ANEEL (Advanced Nuclear Energy for Enriched Life), a groundbreaking fuel named in honor of India’s renowned scientist, Dr. Anil Kakodkar. ANEEL combines Thorium with High Assay Low Enriched Uranium (HALEU), presenting a promising solution for India’s nuclear energy sector.
ANEEL in Indian Pressurized Heavy-Water Reactors (PHWRs):
ANEEL is tailored for India’s existing Pressurized Heavy-Water Reactors (PHWRs), potentially revolutionizing the country’s nuclear energy landscape. By leveraging ANEEL, these reactors can harness the vast reserves of Thorium that India boasts, estimated at a staggering 1.07 million tonnes.
Utilizing India’s Thorium Reserves:
India holds the world’s largest Thorium reserves, and ANEEL paves the way for their efficient utilization in nuclear reactors. This strategic use of abundant Thorium resources aligns with India’s goal of achieving energy security and sustainability.
Key Benefits of ANEEL:
ANEEL brings forth a multitude of advantages, positioning it as a game-changer in the nuclear energy domain:
- Reduced Nuclear Waste Volume: One of ANEEL’s notable features is its ability to minimize nuclear waste production, addressing a longstanding concern in the nuclear industry.
- Lower Operating Costs: Implementation of ANEEL promises cost-efficiency in the operation of nuclear reactors, a critical factor for sustainable and economically viable energy production.
- Longer-Lasting Efficiency: The fuel’s composition contributes to prolonged efficiency, enhancing the lifespan of reactors and reducing the need for frequent maintenance.
Important Points:
- ANEEL Introduction:
- Developed by Clean Core Thorium Energy.
- Named after Dr. Anil Kakodkar, a renowned Indian scientist.
- Combines Thorium and High Assay Low Enriched Uranium (HALEU).
- ANEEL in Indian PHWRs:
- Tailored for existing Pressurized Heavy-Water Reactors (PHWRs).
- Potential game-changer for India’s nuclear energy sector.
- Utilizing India’s Thorium Reserves:
- India has the world’s largest Thorium reserves (1.07 million tonnes).
- ANEEL facilitates efficient utilization of Thorium in nuclear reactors.
- Key Benefits of ANEEL:
- Reduced Nuclear Waste Volume:
- Addresses nuclear industry concerns.
- Lower Operating Costs:
- Promises cost-efficiency in reactor operation.
- Longer-Lasting Efficiency:
- Contributes to prolonged reactor lifespan, reducing maintenance needs.
- Reduced Nuclear Waste Volume:
- Strategic Significance:
- Aligns with India’s goal of energy security and sustainability.
- Utilizes abundant Thorium resources for cleaner and more enriched energy production.
Why In News
Clean Core Thorium Energy, a Chicago-based company, has developed ANEEL (Advanced Nuclear Energy for Enriched Life), named after India’s scientist, Dr. Anil Kakodkar, as a groundbreaking fuel that combines Thorium and High Assay Low Enriched Uranium (HALEU), revolutionizing the future of sustainable nuclear energy.
MCQs about ANEEL
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What does ANEEL stand for?
A. Advanced Nuclear Energy for Enriched Life
B. Atomic Nuclear Energy Extraction Layer
C. Assimilated Nuclear Enrichment and Energy Liaison
D. Advanced Neutron Energy Efficiency Link
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For which reactors is ANEEL specifically designed?
A. Boiling Water Reactors (BWRs)
B. Pressurized Heavy-Water Reactors (PHWRs)
C. Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs)
D. Gas-Cooled Reactors (GCRs)
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What is the primary advantage of ANEEL in terms of nuclear waste?
A. Increased waste production
B. Unchanged waste volume
C. Minimized waste volume
D. Accelerated waste decay
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Why is the utilization of Thorium in nuclear reactors significant for India?
A. India aims to reduce Thorium reserves
B. Thorium is globally scarce
C. India has the world’s largest Thorium reserves
D. Thorium is less efficient than other nuclear fuels
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