India Finally Entering Stage II of The Nuclear Programme | UPSC Mains Current Affairs
India's nuclear programme is entering a new phase as it moves into Stage II, marking a significant milestone in the country's quest for energy security and technological advancement.
Why in News
- PM Modi oversaw core-loading at the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu.
- Signifies a significant step in India's nuclear power program, moving into stage II.
Nuclear Power in India Context:
- Nuclear power contributes around 3.11% of India's total power generation as of 2024.
- Fifth-largest source of electricity in India after coal, gas, hydroelectricity, and wind power.
History of India’s Nuclear Power Program:
- India's journey in nuclear technology began after independence in 1947 with the establishment of the Atomic Energy Commission.
1. 1948:
- Establishment of the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC).
- India enters the nuclear age.
2. 1950s:
- Formulation of the three-stage nuclear power program by Homi Bhabha.
- Aim to establish a self-sufficient nuclear power industry.
3. 1969:
- Commissioning of the first Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR).
- Operationalization of Stage 1 of the nuclear power program.
4. 1974:
- Conducting of India’s first nuclear test, Pokhran-I.
- Demonstration of nuclear capabilities.
5. Late 1970s – Early 1980s:
- Development of fast breeder reactors (FBRs).
- Part of Stage 2 to enhance fuel efficiency and self-sufficiency.
6. 1990s – 2000s:
- Focus on building a nuclear arsenal and delivery systems.
- Further nuclear tests in 1998.
7. Present:
- Possession of nuclear weapons and extensive nuclear fuel cycle capability.
- Ongoing developments in thorium-based reactors for Stage 3 of the nuclear power program.
India’s 3-stage Nuclear Power Program:
|
|
Description |
Timeline |
|
Stage 1 |
Relies on PHWRs with natural uranium fuel. |
Initiated in 1950s, operational since 1960s. |
|
Stage 2 |
Focuses on FBRs using plutonium-239 from Stage 1. |
Initiated in the 1970s and currently in the development phase. |
|
Stage 3 |
Developing thorium-based reactors with India's thorium reserves. |
Initiated in the late 1980s/early 1990s and currently in the research & development phase. |
Interesting Facts about Nuclear Power:
- Uranium-235 and uranium-238 are the two principal natural isotopes.
- All uranium isotopes are radioactive, with U-239 having a much shorter half-life than U-238.
- Plutonium is created from uranium in nuclear reactors, with Pu-239 used in nuclear weapons and Pu-239 and Pu-240 as byproducts of nuclear operations and explosions.
- Nuclear power accounts for about 10% of the world's electricity generation.
- Nuclear power plants produce low levels of greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuel plants.
- Nuclear power plants have a high energy density, meaning they can produce large amounts of electricity from a small amount of fuel.
- Nuclear power plants have a long lifespan, with some plants operating for over 40 years.
- Nuclear power plants provide a stable source of energy, reducing the reliance on fluctuating fossil fuel prices.
Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR):
- The PFBR is a reactor that produces more nuclear fuel than it consumes.
- Core-loading event of PFBR is a milestone for India's nuclear power program.
- Marks start of stage II, moving away from PHWRs and U-238.
- PFBR uses plutonium-239 as fissile material.
How PFBR works:
- Nuclear Fission Process: PFBR uses nuclear fission, where the nucleus of an atom absorbs a neutron, destabilizes, and breaks into two while releasing energy.
- Heavy Water in PHWR: Heavy water in Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR) slows down neutrons released by fission reactions, allowing them to cause new fission reactions.
- Production of Plutonium-239: Pressurized heavy water in PFBR is used to produce plutonium-239 (Pu-239) and energy.
Significance of PFBR:
- U-235 is consumed fully in stage I, U-238 cannot sustain chain reaction.
- Stage II uses Pu-239 with U-238 in PFBR to produce energy, U-233, and more Pu-239.
- Liquid sodium serves as primary coolant for heat transfer and electricity generation through secondary circuits.
Reasons for Delay in PFBR Project:
- Prolonged Delays: Technical complexities and logistical hurdles led to delays and cost overruns. Sanctions imposed after the 1974 nuclear test disrupted the project, requiring changes in fuel type and operational parameters.
- Lack of Resources:
- Retirement of experienced personnel and slow decision-making processes hindered progress.
- Escalating costs highlighted financial strain and administrative shortcomings.
- Procurement Issues: Audit reports showed procurement inefficiencies, with delays averaging 158 days per order, impacting project timelines and costs.
- Regulatory Imperatives: Safety and regulatory oversight are crucial for public confidence and operational integrity.
- Funding issues and budget constraints affecting the progress of the project.
- Political instability and changing government policies impacting the project timeline.
Way Forward and Future Prospects:
- Small Modular Reactors (SMRs):
-
- SMRs have a maximum capacity of 300 MW, require less land, and have more safety features.
- Several countries are developing SMRs to complement conventional facilities due to reduced cost and installation time.
- Stage II Expansion:
-
- The PFBR's 500 MWe capacity sets the stage for future FBR projects in India.
- India's energy diversification goals and decarbonization initiatives are driving the expansion of fast breeder reactors.
- Strengthening regulatory frameworks to address safety concerns and streamline approval processes.
- Promoting public awareness and acceptance of nuclear power as a clean and reliable source of energy.
- Diversifying the nuclear energy mix with advanced reactor designs and fuel cycles.
- Integrating nuclear power with renewable energy sources to create a more sustainable and resilient energy system.
Conclusion:
- The PFBR showcases India's technological prowess and strategic foresight in nuclear power development.
- Despite challenges, India remains committed to leveraging nuclear energy for sustainable development and energy security.
- India's focus on innovation and regulatory reform will lead to a sustainable and self-reliant nuclear energy ecosystem.
Practice Question:
Q. With growing energy needs should India keep on expanding its nuclear energy programme? Discuss the facts and fears associated with nuclear energy. (UPSC CSE 2018, 250 Words, 15 Marks)
Q. Explain the significance of India entering Stage II of its nuclear programme in terms of its impact on the economy and energy security of the country.