India’s Nuclear Energy Policy- Opportunities, Challenges and Future Direction

India’s Nuclear Energy Policy-

Opportunities, Challenges and Future Direction

  1. Energy Vision 2047 and Role of Nuclear Energy –

  • India’s target: To achieve 100GW nuclear power generation capacity by (Current capacity-only 8.6 GW)
  • This will help in achieving the goal of NET ZERO

Nuclear energy

  • Green economy
  • Sustainable development
  • Energy security

  1. SMALL MODULAR REACTORS (SMR) FUTURE TECHNOLOGY

  • Indian government has sanctioned 20,000 for 5 indigenous SMRs.
  • Advantages of SMR –
    • Small size, flexibility, low cost.
    • Suitable in small cities and industrial areas.
    • Can be used as backup for unstable energy like solar/wind.
  1. Institutional and legislative barriers-
  • Atomic Energy Act 1962 does not allow private and foreign participation.
  • NPCIL has a monopoly. -Private companies are limited to only suppliers.
  1. Energy self-sufficiency and environmental justice (four times the current)
  • Per capita energy consumption by 2047 estimated to be 1200-4800 KWH-
  • Dependence on coal-based energy = pollution and crisis
  • Nuclear energy
    • 24 × 7 power supply
    • 100 times less emissions than coal
  1. Role of international cooperation
  • International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and World Bank consider nuclear energy as clean energy.
  • Potential partners of India: Nuclear power companies- France (AREVA), Russia (Rosatom), US (Westinghouse)
  • Need: Technology transfer and investment partnership

 

Policy and legislative reforms-

  • Amendment in Atomic Energy Act to allow private companies.
  • Reforms in The Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (CLND) Act 2010: softening the supplier liability clause.
  • Adoption of PPP model necessary to attract foreign investment and technology. This will improve capital, technology and management.
  • PPP model
    • Technology
    • Capital
    • Management

 

Future strategy

  • Basic principle: Private capital + global technology + Indian policy support = 2047 target
  • With SMR, policy support and foreign cooperation, India can become an energy leader in the future.

 

Possible Mains Exam Practice Questions

  • “Nuclear energy is a reliable option for India’s energy security.” Discuss the recent initiatives of India’s nuclear energy policy, justifying the statement.
  • Evaluate India’s efforts and policy reforms required to achieve 100 GW nuclear power generation capacity by 2047.

 

[Essay] India’s Nuclear Policy: A Triveni Sangam of Science, Sovereig

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