The growth and development of nuclear science and technology in India have been marked by significant milestones, reflecting the nation’s commitment to harnessing atomic energy for peaceful purposes. India’s journey in this field commenced with the establishment of the Atomic Energy Establishment, Trombay (AEET), in 1954, under the visionary leadership of Dr. Homi J. Bhabha. Over the decades, India has made substantial progress in various facets of nuclear science, including reactor technology, nuclear fuel cycle, and nuclear applications in medicine and agriculture. The country achieved a major breakthrough in 1974 with the successful test of its first nuclear device, codenamed “Smiling Buddha,” demonstrating its technological prowess in the nuclear domain.
One crucial aspect of India’s nuclear program is the Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) programme, which holds strategic importance and offers distinct advantages. The Fast Breeder Reactors play a pivotal role in achieving energy security by utilizing abundant thorium resources. Unlike conventional nuclear reactors, FBRs have the capability to generate more fissile material than they consume, making them highly efficient in utilizing nuclear fuel. This not only contributes to the sustainability of nuclear power but also helps in minimizing nuclear waste. Additionally, the FBR programme aligns with India’s commitment to the three-stage nuclear power program, which aims to utilize both uranium and thorium resources to meet the increasing energy demands of the country. In essence, the Fast Breeder Reactor programme represents a forward-looking approach that positions India as a player in the global nuclear arena while addressing the dual challenges of energy security and environmental sustainability.
Tag: Science and technology-developments and their application and effects in everyday life. Infrastructure: energy, ports, roads, airports, railways etc.
Decoding the Question:
- In Intro, try to write about nuclear technology and related information.
- In Body,
- Discuss India’s Three-Stage Nuclear Energy Programme.
- Discuss the advantages of the Fast Breeder Reactor program.
- Try to conclude the answer by quoting NSG membership and climate change.
Answer:
India’s pursuit for peaceful use of nuclear science and technology began with the vision of Dr Homi Bhabha’s. Initially, the Department of Atomic Energy (DEA) implemented India’s nuclear energy development programme till the creation of Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL). To extract energy from nuclear sources India adopted a Three-stage Nuclear Power Development Programme based on indigenously developed reactors and fuel processed from domestic resources.
Growth and Development of Nuclear Science and Technology:
- India’s journey in the field of nuclear science and technology began with the formation of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) in 1954. The aim was to harness nuclear resources for peaceful purposes. India had to surpass the obstacle of technology denial by capable nations. The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) headed by the prime minister has started functioning since then.
- As a part of an agreement with the USA, India set up its first nuclear power station (410MW) in 1963 at Tarapore in Maharashtra. It was based on Boiling Water Reactors (BWRs) using enriched Uranium fuel supplied by the USA. This project started commercial operation in 1969. Tarapore marked the beginning of India’s nuclear power development effort.
- It was in 1988 that India signed an agreement with the then-Soviet Union to set up a 2x1000MW capacity power project based on Soviet-manufactured pressurized water reactors at Kudankulam in Tamil Nadu.
- The three-stage nuclear power program was formulated by Dr. Homi Bhabha in the 1950s to secure the country’s long-term energy independence, through the use of uranium and thorium reserves found in the monazite sands of coastal regions of South India.
- The three stages adopted were
- Natural uranium fuelled pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PWHR)
- Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs) utilizing plutonium-based fuel
- Advanced nuclear power systems for utilization of Thorium.
- The first stage was based on indigenously manufactured Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) that used natural Uranium from domestic sources as fuel and indigenously produced Heavy Water as both the moderator and the coolant.
- In the second stage, Plutonium-239, separated from the spent fuel in the first stage, was to be used in indigenously developed Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs) for generating electricity.
- In the futuristic third stage, it is envisaged to use the indigenously available Thorium raw material from the sea sands along the coast and produce Uranium 233 which in turn would be the fuel for electricity generation.
- Currently, all the components and equipment, especially the oversized heavy components have been successfully manufactured by Indian industries and erected in the PFBR project. By following the above approach, India has mastered the design and manufacturing of sodium-cooled Fast Breeder Reactors (FBR).
Advantages of Fast Breeders Reactors:
- FBRs are designed with several safety measures and features that follow redundancy and diversity principles. Fast Breeder Reactors are safe and efficient apart from the benefits of environmental consideration.
- The economic viability of FBR depends on the successful operation of Prototype FBR and subsequently successful commissioning and operation of FBR in the country.
- Fast breeder reactors (FBRs) would use plutonium-239, recovered by reprocessing spent fuel from the first stage, and natural uranium.
- Electricity generated by FBR would be a source of green energy as the waste from the first nuclear program is processed and used as fuel in FBR. The spent fuel from this reactor can be fed back into the reactor core several times, till the spent fuel contains only short-lived fission products.
- Breeder reactors use a small core, which is important to sustain chain reaction. Besides, they do not even need a moderator to slow down neutrons, as they use fast neutrons.
- Further, there is no need for a large quantity of fuel material for the annual external feed and thus eliminates the need for large capacity waste storage spaces with complex construction features.
Since independence, India has achieved milestones in nuclear science and related technology. However, India’s true potential can come out once it gets a seat at the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). The responsible and peaceful use of nuclear resources for the development of the country is essential, especially in the era of climate change.
In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.
For UPSC Prelims Resources, Click here
For Daily Updates and Study Material:
Join our Telegram Channel – Edukemy for IAS
- 1. Learn through Videos – here
- 2. Be Exam Ready by Practicing Daily MCQs – here
- 3. Daily Newsletter – Get all your Current Affairs Covered – here
- 4. Mains Answer Writing Practice – here
