The role of nuclear energy in achieving net-zero energy emission targets is gaining prominence globally. This is reflected in the resurgence of nuclear-based power in many countries, including India. Technological advancements, policy support, rapidly growing demand, and the associated alarming changes in the climate are driving this transition, besides a conducive international environment. At the COP28, held in Dubai in December 2023, it was officially endorsed that the role of nuclear energy is critical for reducing the effects of climate change and 22 countries were signatories to the 'Declaration to Triple Nuclear Energy by 2050'. At the Nuclear Energy Summit held in Brussels in March 2024, India conveyed its ambition to triple nuclear power production by 2030, as a part of its commitment to expand clean energy.

India already made a head start to the development of nuclear energy and progressed significantly in technology and human resources development. The country has one of the largest deposits of thorium in the world, a potential fuel source for nuclear power, and is poised well to move ahead on the nuclear route. The road is, however, not all rosy; challenges are to be met on many fronts — technological, geopolitical, financial, and policy related. 

Drivers of Nuclear Power in India

The demand for clean and reliable energy is increasing rapidly in India, driven by accelerated economic growth, growing aspiration of the population, digitization of the economy, initiatives such as Make in India, etc. This calls for a needs-based expansion of the energy basket focusing on clean energy resources and ensuring requisite energy security and reliability. India has set an ambitious target of having a non-fossil energy capacity of 500 GW by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2070. Towards this objective, there have been substantial additions to the renewable energy capacity, especially solar and wind. However, solar and wind being intrinsically variable and intermittent (VRE), would not alone be able to provide base load support and ensure the required level of grid security and affordability of consumer electricity. Land availability, storage requirements, biodegradability of lithium-based batteries, transmission capacity utilization, and distribution adequacy power quality issues, etc., are also concerns as the VRE shares go up.

Nuclear power is a relatively cleaner source of stable energy and recent technological advancements are making it potentially cost-effective and safe. It can also facilitate large-scale integration of VRE. Another factor is that the country has one of the largest thorium reserves in the world, which can be used for power generation along with a little uranium, thus helping to achieve energy independence and security. This is possible due to enhanced safety, reduced waste management requirements and nuclear proliferation risks as compared to uranium-based ones.

Nuclear Power Development in India

India has been working in the field of nuclear energy technology for over 60 years and has achieved significant progress in technology, fuel use efficiency, and human resources development. Several organizations like DAE, IGCAR, NPCIL, AMD, AERB and BARC have played a major role in this. As of November 2024, 24 nuclear reactors with a total installed capacity of 8,180 MWe have been operationalized. 11 more reactors are under construction with a total capacity of 8,700 MWe. The government has also given administrative approval for 10 more indigenous 700 MWe Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) to be built in fleet mode. There are plans to expand capacity to 22 GWe by 2031. The recent commissioning of the prototype 500 MWe Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) in Kalpakkam (as part of its FBR programme) through indigenous design and construction is another major achievement. The plant has active and passive safety systems, passive cooling system could operate without personnel input and no power supply. Multiple diagnostic systems are also provided for permanent monitoring during operation to detect possible abnormalities in the early stage. This will eventually help utilize the country's vast thorium reserves. It is possible that thorium-based nuclear power could meet up to 30 per cent of India's electricity demand by 2050, according to certain assessments. Yet another noteworthy achievement is the development of Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs), which will help faster deployment and reduce costs. These compact reactors are especially suited for powering remote areas and industrial hubs, including decarbonization of the hard-to-abate sectors.

India has also been focusing on fuel use efficiency, with High Assay Low Enriched Uranium (HALEU) as an example. Recently, NTPC entered a strategic partnership with US-based Clean Core Thorium Energy (CCTE) to explore the development and deployment of "ANEEL™️" (Advanced Nuclear Energy for Enriched Life) fuel for PHWRs. This ground-breaking initiative is subject to approval from the respective governments.

Some of the Recent Encouraging Developments

Recent announcements by the government have instilled added momentum to India's nuclear programme. In her last year's budget speech, the finance minister said, "Nuclear energy is expected to form a very significant part of the energy mix of Viksit Bharat. Our government will partner with private firms to set up Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs), conduct research and development on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), and explore newer technologies for nuclear energy." This year's budget had proposed setting up a Nuclear Energy Mission to promote research, and development of SMRs with an outlay of INR20,000 crore, and changes in Atomic Energy Act and Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act for greater private participation.

As a follow-up to this, the government has already approved a joint venture of NTPC's JV company with NPCIL for taking up nuclear power generation. Interests in setting up nuclear power plants to achieve their net-zero targets are also seen at the state level. Kerala is one example where government officials are discussing setting up BSRs in the state and utilizing its thorium resources with the Union Power Ministry.   NTPC has recently announced plans for a nuclear power project in Bihar and has requested land from the state government and permission to conduct feasibility studies. NPCIL has also recently opened the door to the nuclear sector for Indian private firms with certain caveats. Hard-to-abate industries like cement and steel and big tech firms like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft are also showing interest in nuclear power as a stable 24X7 power supply alternative.

International and Bilateral Cooperation

India is also strengthening its nuclear capabilities through international collaborations with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and countries like Russia, the USA, and France. India is also a member of the 35-member collaborative effort project — the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), for advancing magnetic fusion. Prospects of bilateral collaborations are also increasing with India and Russia exploring further avenues for collaboration; India and France have plan to launch a cooperation programme on SMRs and advanced modular reactors. President of the World Nuclear Exhibition (WNE), Sylvia Bermann has recently acknowledged India's nuclear supply chain as 'an asset not only for the country but for the world' and has sought the country's participation in WNE 25.

Challenges in Moving Forward

In the past, the relatively long gestation periods for regulatory approvals and construction, high capital investment required for the construction, maintenance, and eventual decommissioning, safety of waste disposal, import of uranium, potential radiation and health, and risk of proliferation of fuel have been major deterrents in moving forward. These are getting eased out with the developments on the technological front (including the recent discovery of substantial deposits of uranium around the existing Jaduguda mines ), and improvements in monitoring, protection, and safety features. Public apprehension about human safety concerns and environmental impacts remains a tough challenge. High-profile nuclear disasters like Chernobyl (1986) and Fukushima (2011) have heightened fears in this regard and are influencing public opinion. This is, despite the fact that Indian nuclear plants adhere to stringent safety standards set by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) and also have IAEA guidance.

Land acquisition is another significant challenge. Securing suitable sites for nuclear plants often encounters resistance from local communities concerned about displacement, environmental impacts, and safety risks. These obstacles, however, unique to nuclear projects only, are seen in varying degrees in other infrastructure projects too.

Way Forward: Some Suggestions

India is looking at the resurgence of nuclear-based energy and keeping up the momentum would be imperative to achieve the country's vision to achieve decarbonization of the energy sector before 2070. There is a need for a pragmatic roadmap for capacity building, which should include both large-sized reactors (that can help in accelerating the capacity addition), and small, modular reactors. Standardizing and easing regulatory approvals would be important and R&D efforts must focus on improving fuel use efficiency and waste disposal, mitigating risks of radiation hazards, etc. Accelerating the mining and utilization of thorium, coupled with policy support from the government, would be critical. Additionally, fostering bilateral and international collaborations and exploring innovative financial mechanisms for nuclear power development are essential to drive progress in the sector. High priority should be given to public outreach programmes and community engagement. These can help assuage concerns regarding safety and health hazards. The media along with R&D organizations and academia can play a key role in this. There should be a progressive introduction of private sector participation (as recently proposed by NPCIL) along with JVs, with foremost consideration of national interests. These could help in mobilizing finances and in technology transfer. #