Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
India’s nuclear program, initiated by Homi J. Bhabha in the 1940s, represents a significant stride towards self-reliance in energy production. Driven by the vision of utilizing thorium’s abundant reserves, the program has evolved from basic research to encompass a complete nuclear fuel cycle. Currently, nuclear energy contributes around 3.6% to India’s total electricity generation. The nation’s commitment to peaceful applications of nuclear technology, coupled with its strategic autonomy, has shaped its unique nuclear trajectory. This answer will detail the growth of nuclear science and technology in India and elaborate on the advantages of the Fast Breeder Reactor program.
Growth and Development of Nuclear Science and Technology in India
The development of nuclear science and technology in India can be broadly categorized into the following phases:
- Early Years (1940s-1960s): The Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) was established in 1948 under the leadership of Homi J. Bhabha. The focus was on basic research, establishing research reactors like Apsara (1956, Asia’s first research reactor) and CIRUS (1960, Canada-India Reactor).
- First Generation Nuclear Power Plants (1960s-1980s): The first nuclear power plant, Tarapur Atomic Power Station (TAPS), was commissioned in 1969 with Canadian assistance. This was followed by the construction of Rajasthan Atomic Power Station (RAPS) units 1 & 2. These were Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs).
- Second Generation Nuclear Power Plants (1980s-2000s): India focused on indigenous development of nuclear technology. This included the development of the Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) technology, culminating in the commissioning of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP) with Russian collaboration.
- Third Generation & Beyond (2000s-Present): Emphasis shifted towards advanced reactor technologies, including Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs) and Thorium-based reactors. Increased international cooperation, particularly after the Indo-US nuclear deal in 2008, facilitated access to advanced technologies.
The Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) Programme in India
The Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) program is a crucial component of India’s long-term nuclear energy strategy. Unlike conventional reactors that consume more fissile material than they produce, FBRs ‘breed’ new fissile material (typically Plutonium-239) from fertile material (Uranium-238 or Thorium-232) during operation.
Advantages of the FBR Programme for India
- Resource Utilization: India has limited reserves of Uranium-235, the fissile isotope used in most conventional reactors. FBRs can utilize the abundant Uranium-238 reserves (over 70% of India’s uranium resources) and Thorium-232, making India energy independent.
- Enhanced Energy Security: By breeding fuel, FBRs significantly extend the lifespan of India’s nuclear fuel resources, reducing dependence on imported uranium.
- Waste Reduction: FBRs can transmute long-lived radioactive waste into shorter-lived isotopes, reducing the burden of nuclear waste management.
- Closed Fuel Cycle: FBRs are integral to establishing a closed fuel cycle, where spent fuel is reprocessed to extract usable materials, further enhancing resource utilization and reducing waste.
Currently, India is developing a 500 MWe FBR at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, named the Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Mahamandal (BHAVINI) FBR. This is a crucial step towards demonstrating the viability of FBR technology and paving the way for larger-scale deployment.
| Reactor Type | Fuel Used | Fuel Breeding | Waste Management |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional Reactor (PHWR/PWR) | Uranium-235 | No | Generates long-lived radioactive waste |
| Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) | Uranium-238/Thorium-232 | Yes (breeds Plutonium-239) | Can transmute long-lived waste |
Conclusion
India’s nuclear program has progressed significantly since its inception, demonstrating a commitment to self-reliance and peaceful applications of nuclear technology. The Fast Breeder Reactor program is particularly vital for India’s long-term energy security, enabling the efficient utilization of its abundant thorium and uranium resources. Overcoming technological challenges and ensuring the highest safety standards will be crucial for the successful implementation of the FBR program and the realization of India’s nuclear energy goals. Continued investment in research and development, alongside international collaboration, will be essential for sustaining this progress.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.