Nuclear energy is clean but too risky to rely on

Source: The post is based on the article “Nuclear energy is clean but too risky to rely on” published in “Live Mint” on 12th September 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Economy- infrastructure (nuclear energy)

News: The article discusses India’s desire to expand its nuclear energy to achieve climate goals. It also highlights challenges such as global politics, potential disasters, and waste disposal. This is particularly significant following a 2010 law that held suppliers responsible for accidents without establishing compensation limits.

Why is India exploring nuclear energy?

Climate Goals: India aims to achieve 500 gigawatts from non-fossil sources by 2030 to move towards carbon neutrality by 2070. Nuclear energy offers a way to meet this target.

Emission-Free Power: Nuclear plants don’t burn fossil fuels. They generate power by heating water, making it environmentally friendly from an emission standpoint.

Comparative Shortage: Despite the growth of renewable sources like wind, solar, and hydro, India still heavily relies on coal, with nuclear energy contributing only 1.6% of the country’s power. Therefore, there is potential for nuclear energy to grow and aid in reducing coal dependence.

Why didn’t the 2005 nuclear deal with the US boost nuclear energy in India?

Liability Law of 2010: India’s Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act made foreign suppliers accountable in case of a disaster. This law clearly stated that reactor makers and their supply chain would face consequences, not just operators.

No Compensation Cap: The law didn’t set a cap on compensation, making it challenging for insurers to price risk coverage.

Resulting Deterrence: The 2010 law’s conditions discouraged many nuclear suppliers, indicating the inherent risks in the nuclear industry and the high premiums possibly demanded by insurers.

What are the concerns around nuclear energy?

Potential Disasters: The extreme risk of a Chernobyl-like incident, though rare, is devastating. Such meltdowns can result in widespread radiation.

Increased Exposure: With more reactors in operation, the potential for accidents increases, heightening the country’s overall risk.

Waste Disposal: Handling nuclear waste remains a significant challenge. Current temporary solutions, like cooling ponds, can become problematic, as seen with the large volumes of coolant water Japan’s Fukushima plant had to dispose of.

Long-term Waste Management: Nuclear waste eventually needs safe storage deep underground or beneath seabed. This containment ensures no radiation escapes but is costly and often downplayed by nuclear proponents.