On the recent National Technology Day, Dr. Anil Kakodkar, a Padma Vibhushan awardee, addressed India’s populace regarding ‘Coping with Energy Needs Amidst Climate Crisis.’ The event commemorates the Pokhran Nuclear Tests of 1998, a crucial milestone in fortifying India’s national security. The successful test-firing of the Shakti-1 nuclear missile, aka Pokhran-II or Operation Shakti, ushered India into several global pacts promoting peaceful nuclear commerce and securing energy via nuclear power. Essentially, nuclear commerce pertains to the global trade revolving around nuclear energy.
The Relationship between HDI and Energy Consumption
Dr. Kakodkar underscored the correlation existing between the Human Development Index (HDI) and Per Capita Energy Consumption worldwide. Statistically, a higher HDI corresponds to augmented per capita energy consumption. By focusing on individuals and their abilities, HDI measures a country’s developmental progress, thereby superseding economic growth as the sole criterion.
The Dilemma of Energy and Climate Security
However, countries like India are grappling with a daunting choice between energy and climate security. Finding a viable balance between improving human life quality and simultaneously mitigating the climate crisis is crucial.
Emission Targets and Their Importance
Many research studies have delved into methods for curbing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, a significant environmental hazard. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), to cap the increase in temperature below 1.5°C by 2100, it’s necessary to reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by 45% from 2010 levels by 2030, achieving net-zero by 2050.
The Role of Decarbonisation
One can effortlessly achieve zero-emission targets by utilizing nuclear energy, significantly decreasing decarbonisation expenses. Decarbonisation implies lowering carbon intensity, i.e., reducing emissions per electricity unit produced. It’s crucial as industries/commercial sectors demand high electric power. By bolstering low-carbon energy sources like solar, hydro, and biomass, along with nuclear power, the actualization of zero emissions is feasible.
A Comparative Analysis: Japan, Germany and India
Despite witnessing nuclear energy’s damaging effects (Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings), Japan devised an energy strategy envisaging 20-22% of total energy consumption via nuclear energy and reducing CO2 emissions by 2030. Germany planned significant GHG emission cuts by 2020 and allocated substantial renewable energy production. To decarbonise its energy consumption, India requires a 30-fold increase in renewable and nuclear energy and twice the thermal energy, rendering 70% energy carbon-free.
Strategic Actions Required for Different Countries
Countries should adopt various consumption strategies depending on their HDI to contribute effectively towards low/zero emissions. High HDI countries should reduce energy consumption as it might not impact their HDI significantly and decarbonise electricity generation. Moderate HDI countries should focus on non-fossil electricity consumption, while low HDI nations should offer subsidized cleaner energy sources to citizens.
Nuclear Waste Management Concerns and Solutions
Nuclear waste management, resulting from energy generation, poses a significant challenge. India addresses this issue using ‘Nuclear Recycle Technology,’ wherein commercial industries recycle previously used nuclear fuel like Uranium, Plutonium, and others to generate energy. Thanks to this approach, over 99% of nuclear waste is recycled, prioritizing recycling in India’s waste management program.