Sambhav-2024

• Start the answer with a discussion that sets a context for the question.
• Discuss the need and challenges in India's pursuit of Nuclear Energy.
• Suggest strategic initiatives for rapid scale-up of nuclear energy in India.
• Conclude suitably.

Introduction

Nuclear energy is the fifth-largest source of electricity in India, contributing about 2-3% of the country's total electricity generation. India currently has over 22 nuclear reactors in 7 power plants across the country, which together produce 6,780 MW of nuclear power.

Body

Need for Nuclear Energy in India:

• Energy Security: Nuclear energy provides a reliable and consistent source of electricity, which helps ensure energy security, especially in a country like India with a rapidly growing population and industrial sector.
  • Unlike solar and wind power, which are dependent on weather conditions, nuclear power provides a reliable, high-density seamless source of energy.
• Diversification of Energy Sources: Nuclear power diversifies India's energy mix, reducing dependence on fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas. Diversification helps mitigate risks associated with overreliance on a single energy source and enhances the resilience of the energy system.
  • Nuclear energy can help India reduce its import bills by up to $100 billion annually, which is currently spent on importing petroleum and coal.
• Cleaner Form of Energy: Nuclear power generation produces minimal greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuel-based power plants, contributing to efforts to mitigate climate change and reduce air pollution
  • A 1,000 megawatts plant operating at 90% plant load factor requires over a year only 25 tonnes of low enriched uranium fuel. Compared to it, a coal plant (of similar capacity) will require approximately five million tonnes of coal, and coal produces ash.
• Cheaper to Operate: Nuclear power plants are cheaper to operate than coal or gas plants, despite the cost of managing radioactive fuel and disposal.
  • Estimates show that nuclear plants cost only 33-50% of a coal plant and 20-25% of a gas combined-cycle plant.
• Availability of Thorium Reserves: Thorium availability makes nuclear energy a promising solution for India's energy needs. It is considered the fuel of the future, and India is a leading country in Thorium resources. This could help India achieve its goal of being a fossil fuel-free nation.

Challenges in its pursuit of nuclear energy:

• Limited Domestic Uranium Reserves: India has limited domestic uranium reserves, which poses challenges in meeting the fuel requirements for its nuclear reactors.
• High Capital Costs: The initial capital investment required for the construction of nuclear power plants is high, making nuclear energy projects financially challenging, particularly for developing countries like India.
• Public Opposition: The construction of nuclear power plants often faces opposition from local communities due to concerns over the safety of the reactors and the potential impact on the environment.
• Technical Challenges: The development of nuclear power plants involves complex technical challenges, including the design and construction of reactors, the management of nuclear waste, and the maintenance of nuclear safety standards.
• International Sanctions: India is not a member of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and has faced international sanctions in the past for its nuclear weapons program.This has limited its access to advanced nuclear technology and fuel supplies from other countries.
• Regulatory Barriers: The regulatory framework for the development of nuclear power in India is complex and has been criticized for being slow and bureaucratic, leading to delays in the implementation of projects.

Strategic initiatives for the rapid scale-up of Nuclear Energy in India:

• PHWR Expansion:
  • Prioritize the Indigenous 700 MWe Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) as the primary source for adding base load electrical capacity.
  • Continue the construction of 15 additional units in fleet mode to further expand the PHWR capacity.
  • Consider implementing multiple fleets with the involvement of various Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in addition to the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL).
• SMRs and Coal Plant Replacement:
  • Build indigenous Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) at sites vacated by retiring coal plants to ensure a smooth transition.
  • Avoid importing units to maintain affordable electricity production.
  • Collaborate with NTPC and other industrial partners, particularly those owning coal plants, to facilitate the replacement with SMRs.
• Captive Units for Industries:
  • Offer the 220 MWe PHWR units as partially owned captive units for electricity and hydrogen production for energy-intensive industries like metals, chemicals, and fertilizers.
  • Explore the use of the Advanced Heavy Water Reactor (AHWR300-LEU) for this purpose after demonstrating a prototype.
• High-Temperature Reactor for Hydrogen Production:
  • Develop a high-temperature reactor dedicated to direct hydrogen production, providing an alternative to electrolysis.
  • Enable cost-effective green hydrogen production, reducing the need for excessive electrification in the energy system.
• Thorium Energy Development:
  • Accelerate the second and third stage nuclear-power program to tap into the thorium energy potential, aligning with long-term plans for sustainable energy supply.
  • Leverage the capabilities of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre for effective implementation.

Conclusion

As India continues to pursue a cleaner, more sustainable energy future, nuclear energy stands as a critical component of the country's energy mix, contributing to its long-term energy security and sustainable development goals.