Nuclear Energy and Viksit Bharat

The government has shown a renewed interest in leveraging nuclear energy for achieving "Viksit Bharat". The ambitious target is to set up 100 GWe of nuclear capacity by 2047, which requires strategic planning and execution.

Challenges in Nuclear Fuel Supply

• Running a 100 GWe capacity demands approximately 18,000 tons of mined uranium annually, equating to a third of the current global production.
• Expanding India’s nuclear capacity necessitates recycling uranium and thorium to mitigate the demand for newly mined uranium.
• By the time India reaches a 25 GWe capacity, uranium requirements will hit 8-10% of current global production.

Recycling and Technological Advancements

Recycling nuclear fuel is crucial to sustain growth. India has developed MoX fuel for the 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor, yet large-scale deployment is pending.

• International civil nuclear cooperation previously helped resolve similar issues by providing access to global uranium markets.
• Thorium, a key resource for energy security, can be used with high assay low enriched uranium (HALEU) in PHWRs and subsequently recycled.

Benefits of Thorium Utilization

• Thorium use in reactors enhances economic gains, improves safety, and reduces the need for mined uranium.
• Fuel cycles with thorium are proliferation-resistant, enhancing security.
• The HALEU-thorium fuel can be seamlessly integrated into existing reactor designs, fostering capacity expansion.

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs)

BSRs, in partnership with the private sector, can support the 700 MWe PHWRs as primary capacity builders.

• India has significant experience with 220 MWe PHWRs, unlike the yet-to-be-proven SMRs globally.
• Retiring coal plant sites could house SMRs if they meet safety criteria and space constraints.

Role of Research and Development Institutions

Key institutions like Bhabha Atomic Research Centre and IGCAR must lead the nuclear program, with the private sector playing a supportive role to avoid potential setbacks.