Redeeming India’s nuclear power promise, Pg10

Key Highlights

• India targets 100 GW nuclear power capacity by 2047, up from 8.18 GW.
• ₹20,000 crore allocated to develop five indigenously designed Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) by 2033.
• Proposed amendments to the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and , Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010 to allow private and foreign participation.
• NPCIL to scale up 700 MW PHWRs and partner with entities like NTPC and REC.
• Global push toward nuclear energy reaffirmed at COP28’s “Triple Nuclear Energy” declaration.
• India's electricity demand expected to increase fivefold, driven by urbanisation and growth.
• Nuclear energy essential as renewables contribute only 20–25% of electricity generation despite major capacity.

Detailed Insights

• Historical trajectory: India started early in nuclear R&D with Apsara (1956) and Tarapur (1963), but global isolation post-1974 PNE test and restrictive export controls slowed growth.
• Post-1998 nuclear deal breakthroughs: Engagement with the U.S. and NSG waiver re-enabled imports and external cooperation, yet CLNDA’s supplier liability clause hindered private participation.
• Energy demand-growth link: To reach $22,000 per capita income by 2047, energy consumption must rise; India’s current per capita electricity use (1,208 kWh) lags far behind China (4,600) and U.S. (12,500).
• Renewables are insufficient alone: Intermittency and storage issues limit solar, wind, and hydro's share in base-load power.
• PHWR standardisation and SMRs: Government plans to standardise 220 MW PHWR designs and deploy SMRs to replace aging captive coal plants.
• Financial and regulatory constraints: Nuclear projects require high capital, long gestation, and long-term tariff certainty, posing unique financing challenges.
• Reform bottlenecks: Need for clarity on private sector roles, fuel supply, waste management, and nuclear liability.
• Foreign investment: Government considering FDI up to 49% in nuclear ventures to attract capital while maintaining Indian control.

Scientific/Technical Concepts Involved

• PHWR (Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor): Uses natural uranium as fuel and heavy water as moderator and coolant.
• Small Modular Reactors (SMRs): Compact, factory-fabricated nuclear reactors with lower upfront cost and modular scalability.
• CLNDA (2010): Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act holds both operator and supplier liable for nuclear accidents, deterring foreign investment.
• Levelised Cost of Energy (LCOE): A metric to compare the cost of energy production across different sources over their lifecycle.

Mains Mock Question

Q. Critically examine India’s nuclear energy strategy in the context of its development and climate goals. What legal, financial, and institutional reforms are needed to meet the 100 GW nuclear power target by 2047?