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For Cleaner Air go Nuclear
Context :
Nuclear energy will play a key role achieving net zero emissions and decarbonisation.
More on News :
- Nuclear energy is a form of energy released from the nucleus, the core of atoms, made up of protons and neutrons
- International Energy Agency (IEA) report “Renewables 2022”: ‘Analysis and forecast to 2027’- Nuclear energy will play an impactful role in India’s journey towards achieving net zero emissions.
- India strategy estimates a threefold increase in installed nuclear capacity by 2032.
Where India Stands ?
- Share of nuclear power in the total electricity generation in the country is about 2.8%.
- It is the 5th largest source of electricity after coal, gas, hydroelectricity and wind power.
Causes of Low nuclear energy production in India :
- Safety issues : Memories of natural disasters like the Chernobyl incident,1986 among locals. E.g.- Locals protesting against Kudankulam nuclear power plant.
- Capital Intensive : Construction, operation, and maintenance costs are high.
- Waste Management : Handling, storage, transportation of radioactive waste is risky.
- Limited resources : Uranium key in nuclear power is imported as India produces about 2% of the world’s uranium
- Technical Hurdles : Access to technology is limited as India is not part of NSG.
Benefits of Nuclear energy :
- Land Requirement for installation is low compared to other renewable sources.
- Reliable and continuous source of power and will maintain grid stability.
- Reduce air pollution and global warming.
- Will reduce dependence on the Coal sector and will reduce the cost of electricity.
What needs to be done to expand nuclear power :
- Expansion of Indigenous PHWR reactors- To boost nuclear power capacity in India like India 1st time manufactured Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) for Kudankulam power plant.
- More Small Modular reactors need to be manufactured as they are simple in design and reduce cost and high capacity to perform.
- Enhance the safety of nuclear plants.
- Exploring untapped potential of Thorium reserves which is present in large amounts within India and is critical in the 3rd stage of the nuclear power programme.
Sites of Nuclear power in India :
Operational Nuclear sites :
Planned :
India’s Panchamrit :
- Reach 500GW Non-fossil energy capacity by 2030.
- 50 per cent of its energy requirements from renewable energy by 2030.
- Reduction of total projected carbon emissions by one billion tonnes from now to 2030.
- Reduction of the carbon intensity of the economy by 45 per cent by 2030, over 2005 levels.
- Achieving the target of net zero emissions by 2070.