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 I – Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR):
  • Fact: India’s first PHWR began operations in 1973 at Rajasthan, and the largest indigenously developed 700-MWe PHWR attained criticality in Kakrapar, Gujarat, in December 2023. The total installed nuclear capacity in India is currently 8,180 MWe across 24 reactors.
• Stage II – Fast Breeder Reactors (FBR):
  • Fact: In 2003, BHAVINI was set up to build and operate the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR). In March 2024, the core loading at the PFBR in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, marked a significant milestone in Stage II of the program.
• Stage III – Advanced Reactors:
  • Fact: The development of advanced reactors is ongoing, with the Kamini reactor being the only one globally using U-233 as fuel. The Advanced Heavy Water Reactor (AHWR) is being developed to demonstrate thorium utilization for future power generation.

3. Challenges in Effective Implementation:

• Nuclear Fuel Availability:
  • Fact: Domestic uranium resources are limited and of low quality, mainly sourced from Jharkhand and Andhra Pradesh. This creates a fuel supply challenge for the program.
• Technological Delays in Stage II:
  • Fact: The PFBR project was originally expected to be completed by 2010 but faced delays due to technical and operational challenges. It was delayed by over a decade.
• Challenges in Stage III – Thorium Utilization:
  • Fact: The third stage of the program remains far from realization, particularly due to the difficulties in recycling U-233, which is crucial for a self-sustaining thorium-U-233 cycle.
• Public Opposition:
  • Fact: Public protests have delayed nuclear projects, such as the 35-year delay in building reactors at Kudankulam due to concerns over safety and environmental impact.
• Competition from Renewable Energy:
  • Fact: The commercialization and expansion of renewable energy technologies like solar and wind power have led to reduced attention towards nuclear energy due to the decreasing cost of renewable energy generation.

4. Conclusion:

• Summarize the achievements of the Three-Stage Nuclear Power Program in terms of technological advancements, with particular focus on the success in Stage I and the progress in Stage II.
• Highlight the challenges, including fuel availability, technological delays, and public opposition, and emphasize that overcoming these challenges will be key for India’s long-term energy security.

Key Facts to Use in the Answer:

1. Stage I – PHWR:
   • First PHWR began operation in Rajasthan in 1973.
   • Largest 700-MWe indigenously developed PHWR achieved criticality in Kakrapar, Gujarat (December 2023).
   • NPCIL operates 24 reactors with a total capacity of 8,180 MWe.
2. Stage II – Fast Breeder Reactors (FBR):
   • BHAVINI was set up in 2003 to build the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR).
   • Core loading at PFBR in Kalpakkam marked a significant milestone (March 2024).
3. Stage III – Advanced Reactors:
   • Kamini reactor is the only one in the world using U-233 as fuel.
   • Development of Advanced Heavy Water Reactor (AHWR) for Thorium utilization, with a 300 MWe AHWR300-LEU demonstrator.
4. Challenges:
   • Nuclear Fuel Availability: Limited and low-quality uranium from Jharkhand and Andhra Pradesh.
   • Technological Delays: PFBR delays of over a decade, initially expected to be completed by 2010.
   • Thorium Recycling Challenge: U-233 recycling still an unresolved issue for Stage III.
   • Public Opposition: Delays in Kudankulam nuclear plant construction due to public protests.
   • Renewable Energy Competition: Growing use of solar and wind power reducing focus on nuclear energy.