Provide a summary of India’s progress in nuclear research and technology. What are the benefits of India’s fast breeder reactor program? (250 words) [UPSC 2017]
Model Answer Introduction According to the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), India aims to produce up to 405 gigawatts of energy from renewable sources by 2030, surpassing its target of generating 50% of electricity from non-fossil fuel sources by the end of the decade.Read more
Model Answer
Introduction
According to the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), India aims to produce up to 405 gigawatts of energy from renewable sources by 2030, surpassing its target of generating 50% of electricity from non-fossil fuel sources by the end of the decade. Solar energy is poised to play a crucial role in achieving this target.
Body
The recent dramatic fall in equipment costs and tariffs of solar energy can be attributed to several factors:
- Technological Advancements: Innovations in solar technology have significantly improved efficiency and reduced production costs, leading to lower equipment prices.
- Scale of Production: The growing demand for solar energy has resulted in increased production scale, which has further decreased costs.
- Easier Construction and Maintenance: Solar energy systems are now quicker to install and cheaper to maintain compared to new coal-fired power plants, making them more attractive.
- Government Subsidies and Incentives: Various government initiatives, such as India’s National Solar Mission and PM-KUSUM, have provided financial support, making solar energy more affordable.
- Increased Competition: The expansion of the solar industry has fostered competition, driving down equipment costs and tariffs.
- Improved Regulatory Outlook: Clearer government policies have encouraged investment in solar energy, enhancing market confidence.
As solar energy becomes increasingly cost-competitive, thermal power producers face significant implications:
- Increased Competition: Thermal power producers will encounter heightened competition from the growing solar sector.
- Reduced Demand: The affordability of solar energy is likely to decrease the demand for thermal power generation.
- Investment Risks: With declining demand, some thermal power plants may become stranded assets, jeopardizing previous investments.
- Need for Transition: The shift towards renewable energy necessitates a transition for thermal power producers, which could be challenging and costly.
Conclusion
The trend of falling solar energy costs and tariffs presents substantial implications for the energy sector, particularly for thermal power producers. While solar energy’s growth is promising, challenges remain regarding energy load management, variability, and regional disparities in sunlight availability, which may provide some relief to the thermal sector.
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Model Answer Introduction India's journey in nuclear science and technology began post-independence with the establishment of the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) in 1948, under the leadership of Homi J. Bhabha. This marked the inception of India's nuclear program aimed at harnessing atomic energy forRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
India’s journey in nuclear science and technology began post-independence with the establishment of the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) in 1948, under the leadership of Homi J. Bhabha. This marked the inception of India’s nuclear program aimed at harnessing atomic energy for national development and strategic needs.
As of 2023, India is advancing in the second stage with ongoing development and testing of Fast Breeder Reactors.
Advantages of the Fast Breeder Reactor Program
Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs) are crucial to India’s nuclear strategy, offering several advantages:
Conclusion
In conclusion, the growth and development of nuclear science and technology in India reflect a commitment to harnessing nuclear energy for sustainable development. The Fast Breeder Reactor program is a pivotal component of this strategy, promising to enhance energy security while addressing environmental concerns.
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