Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction: Begin by briefly introducing the Three-Stage Nuclear Power Program, initiated by Dr. Homi Bhabha in 1954. Mention the program’s objective to use India’s indigenous uranium and thorium resources, emphasizing self-reliance in energy production. 2. Overview of Advancements: Stage ...
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.
- Key Milestones:
- Atomic Energy Establishment: In 1954, the Atomic Energy Establishment, Trombay (later known as Bhabha Atomic Research Centre or BARC) was founded to facilitate research and development in nuclear science.
- Nuclear Power Generation: The commissioning of India’s first nuclear power plant at Tarapur, Maharashtra, in 1969 marked a significant step in nuclear energy production.
- Pokhran Nuclear Tests: India showcased its nuclear capabilities with the peaceful nuclear explosion at Pokhran in 1974, followed by further tests in 1998, which solidified its position as a nuclear power.
- Indigenous Development: Following international sanctions post-Pokhran, India focused on developing indigenous technology for nuclear power generation.
- Three-Stage Nuclear Power Program:
- Stage One: Utilizes Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR) with natural uranium.
- Stage Two: Involves Fast Breeder Reactors (FBR) that use plutonium-239 from the first stage.
- Stage Three: Plans to utilize thorium-232 to produce uranium-233, leveraging India’s vast thorium reserves.
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:
- Efficient Resource Utilization: FBRs convert non-fissile uranium (U-238) into fissile plutonium (Pu-239), enhancing fuel efficiency. The Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam exemplifies this technology.
- Reduction of Nuclear Waste: FBRs can effectively burn actinides, which are significant contributors to long-term nuclear waste radiotoxicity, thereby minimizing waste.
- Energy Security: With limited uranium reserves but abundant thorium, FBRs are vital for India’s long-term energy security, allowing for the conversion of thorium into fissile uranium-233.
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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Model Answer India's Three-Stage Nuclear Power Program, proposed by Dr. Homi Bhabha in 1954, aims to harness the country's indigenous nuclear resources, particularly its abundant Thorium reserves, alongside modest Uranium supplies. The program consists of three stages: Stage I - Pressurized Heavy WaRead more
Model Answer
India’s Three-Stage Nuclear Power Program, proposed by Dr. Homi Bhabha in 1954, aims to harness the country’s indigenous nuclear resources, particularly its abundant Thorium reserves, alongside modest Uranium supplies. The program consists of three stages:
Challenges in Implementation
Despite the progress, several challenges hinder the smooth execution of the program:
In conclusion, while significant progress has been made, India’s Three-Stage Nuclear Power Program still faces substantial challenges that need to be addressed for its long-term success and energy security.
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