India’s Path to 100 GWe Nuclear Capacity

Source: The post India’s Path to 100 GWe Nuclear Capacity has been created, based on the article “On nuclear energy, it can’t be business-as-usual” published in “Indian Express” on 27th February 2025.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Infrastructure-Energy

Context: The article discusses India’s goal of 100 GWe nuclear capacity by 2047. It highlights uranium supply challenges and suggests recycling uranium and thorium. It emphasizes fast breeder reactors, HALEU-thorium fuel, small reactors, and domestic technological development for nuclear energy expansion.

For detailed information on India’s Nuclear Energy Program read this article here

Why does India need 100 GWe nuclear capacity by 2047?

1. Energy Demand: As India progresses towards achieving Viksit Bharat, its energy demand is expected to surge. Nuclear power offers a reliable and substantial source to meet this growing need.
2. Sustainable Development: Nuclear energy provides a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels, aiding in reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmental sustainability.
3. Fuel Security: The current uranium requirement for nuclear power is significant, almost one-third of global production. Increasing nuclear capacity reduces reliance on imported fossil fuels and enhances energy security.
4. Technological Advancement: Developing nuclear capacity involves advanced technologies, promoting domestic innovation and high-tech industries, crucial for long-term economic growth.

What are the challenges in achieving this target?

1. Uranium Supply Constraints: Running 100 GWe nuclear power would require 18,000 tons of mined uranium annually, nearly one-third of the world’s uranium production today.
2. Fuel Dependency: India’s nuclear capacity expansion needs a tenfold increase, but uranium availability is limited. By 25 GWe, uranium demand will reach 8-10% of global production, making access difficult.
3. Slow Fast Breeder Reactor Progress: India has closed the nuclear fuel cycle and developed MoX fuel, but large-scale deployment of Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs) is still lagging.
4. Need for Thorium Utilization: HALEU-thorium fuel must be used in PHWRs to reduce uranium dependency and improve safety.
5. Technology and Policy Gaps: India’s AHWR-300-LEU reactor, designed for thorium use, has not been pursued despite its potential advantages.
6. Private Sector Role: Laboratories like BARC and IGCAR must lead research, while the private sector should focus on scaling up, not leading the programme.

For detailed information on India’s nuclear power challenges and proposed reforms read this article here

How can fuel recycling and thorium help?

1. Reduces Uranium Demand: Recycling uranium and thorium can cut the need for newly mined uranium by one or two orders of magnitude.
2. Supports Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs): India has closed the nuclear fuel cycle and developed MoX fuel for the 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor.
3. Thorium in PHWRs: HALEU-thorium fuel in Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) can ensure stable fuel supply.
4. Improves Safety and Efficiency: Thorium fuel enhances reactor safety and reduces fuel bundle requirements.
5. Future Growth: Molten Salt Reactors (MSRs) using recycled fuel are essential for India’s long-term nuclear energy strategy.

What technological and policy steps should India take?

1. India has closed the nuclear fuel cycle and developed MoX fuel.
2. The Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (500 MWe) is a key project.
3. Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs) can help increase nuclear power with private partnerships.
4. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) should be safe and fully manufactured in India.
5. India’s AHWR-300-LEU reactor design, which uses thorium, needs to be revived.

What role should government and industry play?

1. Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and IGCAR must lead R&D.
2. The private sector should focus on scaling up, not leading research.
3. International uranium markets should be leveraged but not over-relied upon.
4. A long-term nuclear strategy should integrate Molten Salt Reactors (MSRs) using thorium.

Question for practice:

Examine the challenges and potential solutions for achieving India’s goal of 100 GWe nuclear capacity by 2047.