Roadmap for Answer Writing
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Introduction
- Define nuclear energy and its global significance.
- State India’s context as a growing energy consumer and the necessity for a diverse energy mix.
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Benefits of Expanding Nuclear Energy in India
- High Energy Potential
- Describe the capacity of existing nuclear plants like Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP).
- Fact: KNPP has a current capacity of 2,000 MW, with plans to expand to 6,000 MW by 2027 (Source: Nuclear Power Corporation of India).
- Low Greenhouse Gas Emissions
- Highlight nuclear energy’s contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Fact: In 2019, nuclear power contributed only 5% to India’s total greenhouse gas emissions and 3.1% to its electricity (Source: World Nuclear Association).
- Energy Security
- Discuss the potential of utilizing domestic thorium reserves to enhance energy security.
- Mention the three-stage nuclear power program.
- High Energy Potential
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Concerns and Fears Associated with Nuclear Energy
- Regulatory and Policy Hurdles
- Explain issues with the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) and its independence.
- Nuclear Accidents
- Address public fears stemming from past nuclear disasters like Chernobyl and Fukushima.
- Fact: These events have instilled lasting apprehension about nuclear safety (Source: International Atomic Energy Agency).
- High Initial Costs
- Discuss the financial challenges of nuclear projects and lengthy construction times.
- Fact: Significant investment is required, as seen with the Kakrapar Atomic Power Station unit-3.
- Nuclear Waste Management
- Outline the challenges in managing long-lived radioactive waste.
- Public Acceptance
- Highlight the difficulties in gaining public trust and support for nuclear energy projects.
- Regulatory and Policy Hurdles
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Conclusion
- Summarize the potential benefits and risks of expanding nuclear energy.
- Emphasize the need for a balanced approach focusing on safety, regulation, and public engagement.
Relevant Facts
- Nuclear Energy’s Global Role: Contributes to 10% of global electricity through around 440 reactors (Source: World Nuclear Association).
- KNPP Capacity: Current capacity of 2,000 MW, expanding to 6,000 MW by 2027 (Source: Nuclear Power Corporation of India).
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Nuclear energy contributed only 5% to India’s total emissions in 2019 (Source: World Nuclear Association).
- Energy Security: Utilization of domestic thorium reserves enhances energy security.
- Regulatory Concerns: AERB criticized for lack of autonomy.
- Historical Disasters: Chernobyl and Fukushima impact public perception (Source: International Atomic Energy Agency).
- Investment Needs: High costs and long timelines for nuclear projects (e.g., Kakrapar Atomic Power Station).
- Nuclear Waste Management: Ongoing challenges in managing radioactive waste.
This roadmap provides a structured approach and relevant factual support to effectively address the question regarding the expansion of India’s nuclear energy program and the associated facts and fears.
Expanding India’s Nuclear Energy Programme: Facts and Fears
1. Facts Supporting Expansion:
2. Fears and Concerns:
3. Recent Examples:
4. Conclusion: India’s decision to expand its nuclear energy program should weigh the benefits of meeting growing energy needs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions against the risks of nuclear accidents, waste management, and security concerns. A cautious approach that incorporates advanced technologies, stringent safety protocols, and robust waste management strategies can mitigate the fears associated with nuclear energy while capitalizing on its potential to contribute significantly to India’s energy security and sustainability.
Model Answer
Introduction
Since the 1950s, nuclear power has emerged as a substantial source of low-carbon energy, contributing to 10% of global electricity through approximately 440 reactors. India, as the world’s second-most populous nation and third-largest energy consumer, faces increasing energy demands driven by rapid economic growth and urbanization. A diverse energy mix that includes nuclear power is essential for sustaining this growth.
Benefits of Expanding Nuclear Energy
High Energy Potential
Nuclear power plants, such as the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP), can generate significant energy from relatively small infrastructure. Currently, KNPP has two operational units with a total capacity of 2,000 MW. The expansion plans include units three and four, expected to be operational by 2024, eventually increasing the total capacity to 6,000 MW by 2027, making it India’s largest nuclear facility.
Low Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Nuclear energy is a low-carbon technology, contributing only 5% to India’s total greenhouse gas emissions in 2019 while generating 3.1% of the country’s electricity. This positions nuclear power as a crucial player in climate change mitigation.
Energy Security
India’s nuclear program, particularly its focus on utilizing domestic thorium reserves, enhances energy security. The three-stage nuclear power program is designed to leverage these resources effectively.
Concerns Associated with Nuclear Energy
Regulatory and Policy Hurdles
The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has faced criticism for its limited autonomy, raising concerns about safety and oversight in the nuclear sector.
Risk of Nuclear Accidents
Historical disasters, such as Chernobyl and Fukushima, highlight the catastrophic risks associated with nuclear energy, contributing to public fear and resistance.
High Initial Costs
The substantial investment required for nuclear projects, along with lengthy construction timelines, can deter development, as seen with the Kakrapar Atomic Power Station unit-3.
Nuclear Waste Management
The long-term management of radioactive waste remains unresolved, posing a significant challenge to the nuclear energy agenda.
Public Acceptance
Widespread apprehension regarding nuclear safety and waste disposal complicates efforts to gain public support for new projects.
Conclusion
While expanding nuclear energy presents significant opportunities for India to meet its energy needs and climate objectives, it also involves considerable risks and challenges. A balanced approach that emphasizes safety, regulatory diligence, and public engagement is essential for the sustainable development of nuclear energy in India.