In light of global fuel shortages and an increased need to decrease carbon emissions, Japan has adopted a new policy promoting greater use of nuclear energy. This reversal of its previous nuclear phase-out plan is a significant shift following the Fukushima crisis in 2011, which was caused by a Tsunami and is considered the second worst nuclear accident in nuclear power generation’s history.
The new policy seeks to maximize the usage of existing nuclear reactors by restarting as many of them as possible and expanding the operational lifespan of older reactors beyond their 60-year limit. It also outlines the need to develop next-generation reactors to replace these older models. Despite most Japanese nuclear reactors being over 30 years old, the policy aims to push for the creation and construction of “next-generation innovative reactors” with safer features. Currently, nuclear energy accounts for less than 7% of Japan’s energy supply, and reaching the government’s goal of raising its share to 20-22% by fiscal 2030 will require approximately 27 reactors, up from the present 10.
India’s Nuclear Energy Status and Significance
Nuclear energy is the fifth-largest source of electricity in India. The country operates over 22 nuclear reactors across seven power plants, producing 6780 MW of nuclear power. These power plants are located in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and Rajasthan. The Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL), operating under the Indian government’s Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), is responsible for designing, building, commissioning, and operating nuclear power reactors in the country.
The benefits of nuclear energy for India are plentiful. First, India has a significant supply of Thorium, considered to be the nuclear fuel of the future. This resource positions India as a key player in the shift towards fossil fuel-free nations. Moreover, nuclear energy could relieve the country of approximately USD 100 billion in annual petroleum and coal import bills. Unlike solar and wind power, which are weather-dependent, nuclear energy offers a stable, high-density, reliable source of energy with an international presence.
Additionally, nuclear power plants are more cost-effective than their coal or gas counterparts. Even after factoring in costs such as managing radioactive fuel and disposal, nuclear plants cost between 33 to 50% of a coal plant and 20 to 25% of a gas combined-cycle plant.
Challenges of Nuclear Energy in India
Despite its advantages, nuclear energy in India faces several obstacles. A key issue is the country’s insufficient nuclear installed capacity. In 2008, expectations were that India would have 650GW of installed capacity by 2050, following the India-U.S. civil nuclear deal. However, over 13 years later, not a single new nuclear plant has been established, and the current installed capacity is only 6.78 GW.
Furthermore, nuclear power has not received substantial public funding, making it difficult for it to compete against natural gas and renewables. Land acquisition for nuclear power plants is also problematic, with projects like Kudankulam in Tamil Nadu and Kovvada in Andhra Pradesh experiencing significant delays due to land-related issues. Additionally, climate change heightens the risk of nuclear reactor accidents and threatens water sources used for cooling reactors.
Nuclear waste also poses severe health risks, including causing cancer and genetic problems in both animals and plants. Given India’s population density, there are valid concerns about land availability for the disposal of nuclear waste and the provision of emergency healthcare.
India’s Initiatives Regarding Nuclear Energy
Despite these challenges, India continues to actively explore nuclear energy. The country’s three-stage nuclear power programme, formulated in the 1950s, and the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, illustrates its commitment. The act’s main objective is to utilize Uranium and Thorium, two naturally occurring elements, as nuclear fuel in Indian Nuclear Power Reactors.
In December 2021, the Government of India announced plans to build ten indigenous Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) and granted “in principle approval” for 28 additional reactors, of which 24 will be imported from France, the U.S., and Russia. Moreover, the government has approved the first step for setting up six nuclear power reactors at Jaitapur in Maharashtra. Once completed, Jaitapur will be home to the world’s most potent nuclear power plant, featuring six state-of-the-art Evolutionary Power Reactors (EPRs) that will produce low carbon electricity.
Way Forward
The global energy crisis necessitates a rational reconsideration of nuclear energy. Despite various social and environmental impacts, it offers one of the better solutions to meet rising energy demands. Given lower capacity utilization of renewables, increasing fossil fuel prices, and growing pollution problems, the potential of nuclear power must be fully exploited.
Therefore, while nuclear energy holds great promise, significant challenges must be overcome to reach its full potential in India, balancing the need for energy security with environmental and public health concerns.
