Sunday, 1 November 2026

India holds 1.18 million tonnes of thorium oxide identified within 13.15 million tonnes of monazite, according to the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research. A commercially viable domestic thorium fuel cycle could diversify India's fuel options, reduce its exposure to overseas supplies and support reliable low-carbon electricity.

Reaching that point depends on sustained investment in technologies and industrial systems that can convert mineral wealth into affordable power, the Financial Express wrote. India's government acknowledged that thorium molten-salt technology remained immature and that its economics still required demonstration.

The demand backdrop is steep. The International Energy Agency expects India's electricity demand to grow by 6.4% annually during 2026-2030, adding more than 570 TWh to annual consumption.

Nuclear supplies a small share of that total. India's 24 nuclear reactors hold 8.78 GW of capacity and account for about 3.1% of electricity generation.

Separately, a security measure for the energy sector is advancing. More people working in the sector than before will be required to undergo security vetting, according to energate. The Federal Government says the amended Security Vetting Determination Regulation is intended to enhance protection of critical infrastructure.

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has called for affordable financing, better gas distribution infrastructure and consistent energy policies to help small businesses in Nigeria lower operating costs.

LCCI President Leye Kupoluyi urged the Nigerian government, development finance institutions, commercial banks and private investors to establish clean-energy financing schemes offering low-interest loans to small and medium-sized enterprises.