Southeast Asia looks to nuclear power to supercharge its energy transition
| Topic: GS3 – Economy – Energy |
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 13)
| Context |
|
Introduction to Nuclear Energy in Southeast Asia
- Southeast Asia’s only nuclear power plant, located in the Philippines, was built in the 1970s but has never operated due to safety concerns and corruption.
- Now, several Southeast Asian countries are exploring nuclear energy to meet growing demand for cleaner, more reliable energy.
Nuclear Energy as a Climate Solution
- Nuclear energy does not emit harmful greenhouse gases, unlike coal, gas, or oil.
- Advances in technology have made nuclear power safer, cheaper to build, and smaller, making it more accessible.
Global and Regional Nuclear Energy Trends
- Nuclear power generates about 10% of global electricity, with 413 gigawatts of capacity across 32 countries.
- Southeast Asia’s energy demand is rapidly increasing, and many countries are interested in nuclear energy to reduce air pollution and increase power capacity.
Challenges of Nuclear Energy Development
- Nuclear plants are expensive, take years to build, and take time to become profitable.
- Financing for nuclear energy is limited, but some financial institutions support growth.
- Developing strong policies and regulations could attract more investment.
Small Modular Reactors and Technological Advances
- Small modular reactors (SMRs) are cheaper, quicker to build, and safer than traditional reactors.
- SMRs can produce up to one-third of the power of a traditional reactor, fitting local energy needs.
Concerns and Future Challenges
- Nuclear disasters like Chernobyl and Fukushima raised concerns about safety.
- Other challenges include the high cost of waste disposal and reliance on a few countries for uranium supply.
| PYQ: With growing energy needs should India keep on expanding its nuclear energy programme? Discuss the facts and fears associated with nuclear energy. (250 words/15m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-3 2018) |
| Practice Question: Examine the challenges and technological advancements in nuclear power generation. How can financing options help in addressing these challenges and promoting nuclear energy development? (250 Words /15 marks) |
Check more – How will the govt. produce the required fuel ethanol?
