India’s journey in nuclear energy began with the establishment of the Atomic Energy Commission post-Independence. Over 75 years, India has developed a nuclear power capacity of 8,180 MW. A portion of this capacity was built with Russian assistance. Despite advancements in technology and uranium access, the progress in nuclear power generation remains sluggish. Clean energy is crucial now more than ever, yet unexplained delays hinder the sector’s growth.
Current Status of Nuclear Energy in India
India has progressed in nuclear technology, particularly in pressurised heavy water reactors. The 2008 Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement has ensured access to uranium. However, the actual deployment of nuclear power projects has not kept pace with expectations. The country faces a pressing need for clean energy solutions but is struggling to translate potential into reality.
Thorium as a Future Resource
Thorium stands as India’s second-largest energy resource after coal. As global warming concerns rise, thorium emerges as a sustainable option. It promises energy security and could play a very important role in India’s long-term energy strategy. However, India has yet to exploit thorium effectively, despite its potential benefits.
Three-Stage Nuclear Programme
Dr Homi Bhabha outlined a three-stage nuclear programme aimed at utilising India’s vast thorium reserves. The first stage uses natural uranium in heavy water reactors. The second stage involves fast-breeder reactors that convert uranium-238 into plutonium-239. Currently, India is stuck at this stage, with the 500 MW prototype fast-breeder reactor still incomplete since its inception in 2004.
Accelerator-Driven Subcritical System
The accelerator-driven subcritical system (ADSS) is another pathway for thorium utilisation. It generates neutrons using particle accelerators. This method could also help manage nuclear waste. Despite discussions about the ADSS since 2003, progress has been minimal. The need for a 1 GeV particle accelerator has been acknowledged but remains unaddressed.
Other Delayed Projects
Several other crucial projects are lagging, including the Indian high-temperature reactor (IHTR) and the advanced heavy water reactor (AHWR). The IHTR was developed in 2006 for hydrogen production but has not advanced. Similarly, the AHWR has been project-ready for over 20 years but awaits a deployment decision.
Comparison with ISRO
The contrast between the performance of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is stark. While ISRO has achieved remarkable milestones, BARC has struggled to deliver substantial results. This discrepancy raises concerns about the efficiency and effectiveness of India’s nuclear energy programme.
Emerging Prospects
New technologies such as small modular reactors and advanced fuels like HALEU and ANEEL present opportunities for future development. However, these prospects will require investment and commitment to overcome the current stagnation.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically discuss the implications of India’s reliance on thorium for energy security.
- Examine the challenges faced by India in advancing its three-stage nuclear programme.
- Analyse the role of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre in India’s nuclear energy landscape.
- Estimate the potential impact of small modular reactors on India’s energy strategy.
Answer Hints:
1. Critically discuss the implications of India’s reliance on thorium for energy security.
- Thorium is abundant in India, offering a sustainable alternative to uranium.
- Utilizing thorium can enhance energy security by reducing dependence on foreign uranium supplies.
- Thorium-based reactors have the potential to produce less nuclear waste compared to conventional reactors.
- India’s three-stage nuclear program aims to transition to thorium, but progress has been slow.
- Investment in thorium technology could position India as a leader in clean energy solutions.
2. Examine the challenges faced by India in advancing its three-stage nuclear programme.
- India remains stalled at the second stage due to delays in completing fast-breeder reactors.
- The prototype fast-breeder reactor has faced construction delays since its inception in 2004.
- Lack of infrastructure and funding hampers the development of subsequent stages.
- Regulatory and bureaucratic hurdles contribute to the slow progress of nuclear projects.
- Public perception and safety concerns regarding nuclear energy affect government support and investment.
3. Analyse the role of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre in India’s nuclear energy landscape.
- Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) is very important in research and development of nuclear technology.
- BARC has developed key projects such as the fast-breeder reactor and advanced heavy water reactor.
- Despite its potential, BARC has faced criticism for delays in project execution and lack of transparency.
- BARC’s research on thorium utilization is crucial for India’s long-term energy strategy.
- Collaboration with international agencies could enhance BARC’s capabilities and expedite progress.
4. Estimate the potential impact of small modular reactors on India’s energy strategy.
- Small modular reactors (SMRs) offer flexibility and can be deployed in remote areas with limited infrastructure.
- SMRs can enhance energy security by diversifying India’s energy mix and reducing reliance on large plants.
- They are designed to be safer and more efficient, potentially addressing public safety concerns.
- SMRs can accelerate the transition to low-carbon energy sources in line with global climate commitments.
- Investment in SMRs could stimulate economic growth and job creation in the nuclear sector.
