Q16. Give an account of the growth and development of nuclear science and technology in India. What is the advantage of the fast breeder reactor programme in India?

Model Answer:

Introduction

India's journey in nuclear science and technology began post-independence with a vision to harness nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. Spearheaded by leaders like Dr. Homi J. Bhabha, India's nuclear program has grown steadily over the decades, focusing on energy security, medical advancements, and technological innovations. The development of Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) technology is one of the crucial pillars of India’s nuclear program, offering significant advantages in terms of fuel efficiency and energy sustainability.

Body

Growth and Development of Nuclear Science and Technology in India

  1. Early Initiatives (1940s–1960s)
    India’s nuclear journey started in 1948 with the establishment of the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC). The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) was formed in 1954. Under Dr. Homi Bhabha’s leadership, the Trombay Atomic Research Centre (now Bhabha Atomic Research Centre) was established.
  2. Development of Indigenous Nuclear Reactors (1960s–1980s)
    The first nuclear reactor, Apsara, became operational in 1956. India launched its first Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) in 1969 at Tarapur. The 1974 Pokhran-I test marked India’s entry into nuclear weapons capability, while simultaneously promoting peaceful nuclear energy use.
  3. Expansion of Nuclear Energy Capacity (1990s–Present)
    India continued to develop nuclear power plants, with indigenous reactors like PHWRs and light water reactors (LWRs). The 1998 Pokhran-II tests reaffirmed India’s strategic nuclear capability. India’s current nuclear energy capacity includes 22 operational reactors, contributing to about 3% of the national energy mix.

Advantages of Fast Breeder Reactor Programme in India

  1. Efficient Utilization of Resources
    Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs) use plutonium and uranium-238, a byproduct of conventional reactors, to generate energy. This significantly extends India’s nuclear fuel resources by converting waste products into usable fuel.
  2. Enhanced Energy Security
    FBRs offer a sustainable solution to India’s growing energy demand. With limited uranium reserves, India’s FBR program helps overcome resource constraints by breeding more fissile material than they consume.
  3. Waste Reduction
    FBR technology reduces nuclear waste by consuming plutonium and other long-lived radioactive elements, minimizing the environmental footprint of nuclear energy production.
  4. Strategic Independence
    India’s FBR program supports energy independence by reducing dependency on imported uranium and enhancing indigenous technological capabilities.

Conclusion

India's growth in nuclear science and technology has been remarkable, progressing from early research reactors to a comprehensive energy program. The Fast Breeder Reactor program is a crucial advancement, offering significant benefits in terms of fuel efficiency, waste reduction, and energy security, all of which are critical for India’s long-term energy sustainability and strategic autonomy.

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