Koya Nuclear Sets Up Operations in India as TRISO Technology Gains Momentum

The company’s Mumbai office will spearhead commercial development and regulatory engagement in a rapidly growing market.

Key Highlights:

• Koya Nuclear Energy (KNE) opens an office in Mumbai to drive commercial growth in India.
• Led by Prakash Lakhiani, the office will focus on strategy, regulatory compliance, financing, and supply chain management.
• India’s 2025 budget supports nuclear power, allowing private investment for the first time.
• TRISO fuel, developed in South Africa, is considered the “most robust nuclear fuel on earth.”
• KNE aims to help India become a global leader in small nuclear technology.

Koya Nuclear Energy (KNE), a leader in Gen IV TRISO nuclear technology, has announced the opening of its new office in Mumbai, India. This move is set to accelerate KNE’s commercial development in a market showing strong enthusiasm for advanced nuclear energy solutions.

Prakash Lakhiani, who will head the Mumbai office, brings extensive experience to the role. He will oversee all aspects of KNE’s market entry strategy, including regulatory engagement, financing, project development, and supply chain management. Lakhiani will collaborate closely with Suraj Arora, who leads KNE’s business development team in Asia.

India’s 2025 budget unveiled a highly supportive stance on nuclear energy, marking a historic shift by allowing private investment in the sector. With atomic energy under the direct oversight of the Prime Minister’s Office, recent statements by Prime Minister Narendra Modi have emphasized the pivotal role nuclear power will play in meeting the country’s escalating energy demands.

India’s rapid economic growth—averaging 7.3% over the past two years—has positioned it as the world’s third-largest economy. The country’s booming IT sector, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence, has significantly increased the demand for reliable and sustainable baseload power. KNE’s TRISO technology offers a promising solution to meet these needs.

TRISO fuel, developed in South Africa and described by the U.S. Department of Energy as “the most robust nuclear fuel on earth,” has been certified by the Idaho National Laboratory in the United States. KNE’s reactor technology, also developed in South Africa, was first tested at the facilities in Pelindaba, Pretoria.

“India is not just ready for small nuclear; it has the potential to become a world leader,” said Prakash Lakhiani. “Our engagement with decision-makers, regulators, and academics has been very encouraging. KNE’s engineers bring decades of experience with TRISO technology, enabling us to deliver nuclear power more safely and at a scale unmatched by other alternatives.”

Stephen Edkins, CEO of KNE, echoed this sentiment. “On my most recent visit to India, I was struck by the enthusiasm for nuclear energy, particularly Gen IV TRISO technology. The country’s rich history in nuclear power and proactive regulatory environment create a fertile ground for small nuclear development. This initiative will not only boost energy generation but also foster innovation, talent, and intellectual property creation.”

In January, KNE collaborated with the Indian Institute of Technology at Greater Noida, hosting an event to discuss the role of Gen IV nuclear technology. The positive feedback from federal and state governments, investors, supply chain participants, and power users reinforced KNE’s commitment to expanding its presence in India.

The new office in Mumbai will play a critical role in securing regulatory approval for KNE’s TRISO fuel and reactor technology. With India opening its doors to private investment in nuclear power, KNE is poised to contribute significantly to the country’s energy landscape.