Role of Nuclear Energy in the development of India

Role of Nuclear Energy in the development of India

For the complete development of any nation, it is necessary to have sufficient and uninterrupted supply of energy, which also indicates the social and economic development of that country. Energy has a definite and decisive role in the field of electricity generation and supply in India. Energy consumption is closely related to the progress of the human.

India is dependent on non-conventional sources for electricity needs. India being a developing country, the increasing demand for energy here cannot be met from conventional sources.

The development of infrastructure plays a significant role to economic growth. Here the power sector is one of the major significant constituents of this infrastructure.

In the present time, due to increasing population and increasing demand for energy, dependence on fossil fuels is increasing. But the reserves and supplies of fossil fuels are also limited. Therefore, we must promote nuclear power generation to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. Nuclear fuel contains much more energy than hydrocarbons or coal, so nuclear power is a good source of carbon-based fuel.

Importance of nuclear energy for India-

India is promoting energy generation under the indigenous nuclear power program, which is expected to generate 14.6 GW of electricity by 2024, while it will increase to 63 GW by 2032. India’s aims to contribute 25% of the country's electricity generation to nuclear power by the year 2050.

Background of the field of nuclear energy in India-

• On 4 August 1956, India's first nuclear reactor 'Apsara' was commissioned, with nuclear fuel supplied by Britain.
• From the year 1960, India's second reactor 'Cyrus' was operated with the help of Canada.
• With the help of America, the work of generating electricity through nuclear power was started in Tarapur in October, 1969.
• India's second nuclear power station was established near Kota in Rajasthan.
• India's third nuclear power station was set up at Kalpakkam (Chennai), which is the country's first indigenous plant.
• The first indigenous unit of Madras Atomic Power Station was established in July 1983.
• In October 1989, the country's fourth nuclear power station was established at Narora (Uttar Pradesh).

India's nuclear power plants at present-

At present, there are 22 nuclear power plants operating with a total capacity of 6780 MWe-

• Tarapur (Maharashtra) - 2 units of 160 MW capacity and 2 units of 540 MW
• Rawatbhata (Rajasthan) - 1 unit of 100 MW capacity, 1 unit of 200 MW capacity, 4 units of 220 MW capacity
• Kudankulam (Tamil Nadu) - 2 units of 1000 MW capacity
• Kaiga (Karnataka) – 4 units of 220 MW capacity
• Kakrapar (Gujarat) - 2 units of 220 MW capacity
• Kalpakkam (Tamil Nadu) – 2 units of 235 MW capacity
• Narora (Uttar Pradesh) – 2 units of 220 MW capacity

Benefits of nuclear energy-

• Helpful in mitigating climate change.
• Removal of greenhouse gases in very small amounts.
• Carbon free power generation
• More efficient and reliable source of energy.
• Fulfillment of military objectives.
• Helpful in meeting the Sustainable Development Goals.
• To strengthen industrialization.
• Maintaining safety and non-proliferation standards globally.

Disadvantages of nuclear energy-

• Security issues and public perception of nuclear power
• Threat of Accidents (Chernobyl and Three Mile Island)
• High cost in fuel storage and disposal
• High cost of the construction of nuclear power plant
• Environmental and health issues from uranium mining and refining
• Risk of transportation and mill workers

Role in the development of India-

Energy availability and energy development reflect social and economic development while also reducing energy dependence on other countries. However, nuclear power generation is a complex and high-cost process which poses a challenge to a developing country like India. Today India has come in the category of developed countries in nuclear power generation which manufacture indigenous nuclear power.

Nuclear plants and research centers built by India and built-in collaboration with other countries indicate that India is developing economically. Along with this, the availability of employment through these centers leads us towards social development.

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