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UPSC MainsGeneral Studies Paper IScience and TechnologyPractice question

Expanding India's Nuclear Power Sector Sustainably

India's goal of expanding nuclear power should be guided by principles of self-reliance, affordability, and safety. Discuss.

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How to approach

Begin by introducing India's long-term nuclear target of 100 GW by 2047 under the Viksit Bharat vision. Examine the three core pillars—self-reliance, affordability, and safety—using relevant technological, financial, and regulatory examples. Conclude by highlighting the role of nuclear energy as a clean baseload provider for reaching Net-Zero emissions by 2070.

Model answer

405 words

Introduction

India aims to exponentially scale its nuclear energy capacity from the current operational level of approximately 8.8 GW to 100 GW by 2047 as part of its Viksit Bharat vision. To build a resilient, low-carbon energy ecosystem, this massive expansion must be firmly anchored in three strategic pillars: technological self-reliance, economic affordability, and stringent safety standards.

1. Self-Reliance (Atmanirbharta)

Achieving fuel security and domestic manufacturing capabilities is essential to reduce import dependencies and geopolitical vulnerabilities:

  • Three-Stage Nuclear Programme: Realising Homi Bhabha's closed fuel-cycle roadmap to utilise India's vast domestic thorium reserves (accounting for ~21% of global deposits) via Fast Breeder Reactors, exemplified by the 500 MW Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam.
  • Indigenous Reactor Technologies: Deploying domestic 700 MW Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) and developing Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)—such as the Bharat Small Reactors based on proven 220 MW PHWR designs—to repower retiring captive thermal plants.
  • Fuel Cycle Independence: Strengthening domestic front-end mining and back-end reprocessing technologies to sustain indigenous fuel autonomy.

2. Affordability and Financing

Given the high capital intensity and long gestation periods associated with nuclear plants, cost-optimisation mechanisms are critical:

  • Fleet Mode Construction: Transitioning to fleet-mode procurement and bulk sanctioning (such as sanctioning ten 700 MW PHWRs simultaneously) substantially lowers engineering overheads, shortens construction timelines, and drives economies of scale.
  • Private Sector Participation and Green Finance: Amending statutory frameworks like the Atomic Energy Act allows joint ventures with public sector undertakings and private capital, mobilising the substantial capital required by 2047.
  • Competitive Levellised Cost: Integrating nuclear power into long-term baseload contracts to cushion tariffs against volatile imported fossil fuel prices.

3. Safety and Environmental Sustainability

Public acceptance and ecological responsibility demand uncompromised adherence to safety and waste-management protocols:

  • Robust Regulatory Oversight: Empowering the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) with functional independence and international benchmarking aligned with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) guidelines.
  • Passive Safety Systems: Integrating advanced passive mechanisms, such as core catchers and gravity-driven cooling systems in new generation reactors (e.g., Kudankulam VVER units).
  • Responsible Waste Stewardship: Adopting a closed nuclear fuel cycle that reprocesses spent fuel to drastically minimise the volume and long-term toxicity of high-level radioactive waste.

Conclusion

Nuclear power currently contributes roughly 3% of India's electricity generation, yet it represents the only proven, low-carbon source capable of providing reliable, continuous baseload capacity. Guided by technological self-reliance, financial viability, and robust safety protocols, the 100 GW pathway will be indispensable for India's transition to Net-Zero emissions by 2070.

Key facts to remember

statistic

India holds approximately 21% of global thorium reserves, predominantly found in the monazite beach sands of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha.

definition
Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs)

Small modular nuclear reactor units based on indigenous 220 MW Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) designs intended to replace captive thermal coal generation in industrial hubs.

example
Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR)

The 500 MWe PFBR located at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, marks the critical entry into the second stage of India's three-stage nuclear power programme, producing more fissile material than it consumes.

Frequently asked questions

Why is 'fleet mode' important for India's nuclear expansion?

Fleet mode involves approving and constructing multiple standardized reactors simultaneously. This reduces component manufacturing costs, standardises supply chains, and mitigates project delays.

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