Clean Core Thorium Energy Corporation ("Clean Core") announced that Clean Core and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) have entered the planning phase of a pre-license review of the company's advanced nuclear fuel using thorium and highly determined Low-enriched uranium (HALEU) known as "ANEEL fuel ".

The CNSC's pre-permit review process will provide Clean Core with clear and early feedback on the design of ANEEL fuel in CANDU reactors. During this process, CNSC staff will evaluate the proposed fuel design and qualification program to confirm that Clean Core will be able to demonstrate that it can meet CNSC's expectations, applicable regulatory documents and Clean Core's applicable Canadian codes and standards regarding nuclear fuel design and qualification programs. Clean Core is confident that the safety case it has made in support of the use of ANEEL fuel in CANDU is solid and will prove to meet the requirements and expectations of the CNSC.

ANEEL fuel is designed to improve the accident tolerance characteristics and economics of heavy water reactors worldwide, while achieving nonproliferation and a significant reduction in nuclear waste. Once approved for use, this fuel will be ready to replace the existing fuel used in heavy water reactors and immediately realize these new-generation benefits.

"The launch of the CNSC pre-licensing process marks a major leap forward in the groundbreaking performance of heavy-water reactors released using thorium and HALEU," said Mehul Shah, CEO of Clean Core. Once approved for use in Canada, ANEEL fuel will make CANDU reactors safer, cleaner and cost effective while supporting Canada's long-term clean energy goals. Future use by Canadian licensees also sends a clear signal to current and potential users of heavy water reactors that they can benefit from cheaper carbon-free nuclear power, alleviating concerns about weapons proliferation and waste disposal."

About Clean Core Thorium Energy

Clean Core was founded in 2017 and has been developing its patent-pending ANEEL fuel, which is about to be used in PHWR/CANDU worldwide. The Advanced Test Reactor at the U.S. Department of Energy's Idaho National Laboratory is currently undergoing high-burn irradiation testing and certification of ANEEL fuel readiness for commercialization. After that, Clean Core aims to demonstrate irradiation of ANEEL fuel in commercial CANDU/PHWR, subject to regulatory approval.