26 June 2024 : PIB Summary For UPSC

India’s Nuclear Power generation capacity to increase by around 70 percent in the next 5 years”, says Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2028578 )

Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy – Infrastructure – Energy

Context

Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister, announced plans to significantly expand India’s nuclear power capacity by 2029, highlighting advancements in indigenous technology and collaborations to enhance energy security and promote societal benefits through nuclear applications.

Analysis of the news:

• Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister, highlighted India’s nuclear power growth plans, aiming to increase installed capacity from 7.48 GWe to 13.08 GWe by 2029, a 70% rise with 7 new reactors.
• Emphasis on indigenous technology development for energy security was stressed, encouraging collaborations and joint ventures with public sector units.
• Plans include integrating resources and expertise within the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) for efficient capacity building.
• Projects like the Bharat Small Reactor (BSR) and Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR) are advancing, with initiatives in fast breeder reactors and nuclear medicine.
• Overall goals aim at societal benefits through radiation technology advancements and research facilitation.

Shift to Nuclear Energy For India:

Need for Shift to Nuclear Energy: Energy Demand: Rising energy demand due to population growth, urbanisation, and industrialization. Energy Security: Diversifying energy sources to reduce dependency on fossil fuels. Environmental Concerns: Addressing climate change by reducing carbon emissions. Technological Advancement: Leveraging advanced nuclear technologies for cleaner energy production. Strategic Independence: Enhancing self-reliance in energy production and reducing import dependency. Challenges: Public Perception: Overcoming public concerns about safety and environmental impact. Cost: High initial capital investment and long gestation periods for nuclear projects. Regulatory Hurdles: Navigating stringent regulatory frameworks and safety standards. Waste Management: Developing robust strategies for nuclear waste disposal and management. International Cooperation: Balancing domestic capabilities with international collaborations in technology and fuel supply. Way Forward: Indigenous Technology: Focus on developing indigenous nuclear technologies for cost-efficiency and self-sufficiency. Regulatory Reforms: Streamlining regulatory processes to expedite project approvals without compromising safety. Public Awareness: Enhancing public awareness through education and transparency about nuclear energy’s benefits and safety measures. Investment and Finance: Encouraging private and international investment in nuclear energy projects through policy incentives. Research and Development: Investing in R&D for advanced reactor designs, waste management technologies, and safety innovations. Global Partnerships: Strengthening international collaborations for technology transfer, fuel supply, and knowledge exchange. By addressing these aspects comprehensively, India can navigate towards a sustainable and secure nuclear energy future.

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:  Describe the challenges and strategic imperatives for India in transitioning towards nuclear energy as a primary source of power. Evaluate the role of indigenous technology development, regulatory frameworks, and international collaborations in achieving this shift. (250 Words /15 marks)