With the increasing scarcity of fossil fuels, atomic energy has emerged as a crucial alternative in India’s energy landscape. This shift towards nuclear power is driven by its potential to provide a sustainable and reliable source of electricity. However, the availability of raw materials essential for generating atomic energy, particularly uranium, plays a pivotal role in determining the feasibility and sustainability of nuclear power production.
In India, the availability of uranium reserves is limited but significant. The country possesses modest reserves of uranium, primarily concentrated in states like Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, and Meghalaya. Efforts have been made to expand uranium mining activities and explore new sources to meet the growing demand for atomic energy. Additionally, India has been actively engaged in international collaborations for uranium procurement to supplement its domestic reserves.
On a global scale, uranium reserves are more abundant, with major deposits found in countries such as Canada, Kazakhstan, Australia, and Russia. These nations contribute significantly to the global supply of uranium, ensuring a steady flow of raw material for nuclear power generation worldwide. However, geopolitical factors and regulatory frameworks can influence the accessibility and availability of uranium resources, posing challenges to ensuring a stable supply chain for atomic energy production.
Tag: Distribution of key natural resources.
Decoding the Question:
- In Introduction, start with writing briefly on why and how atomic energy can be an alternative to fossil fuel.
- In Body,
- Discuss the reasons why atomic energy can be chosen as an alternative to fossil fuel.
- Mention the raw materials required for the generation of atomic energy.
- In Conclusion, mention the importance of atomic energy and provide some relevant statistics.
Answer:
Rapid expansion in global energy demand and the growing awareness of the need for sustainable development has put increasing focus on the environmental consequences of burning fossil fuels. India imports 80% of its energy demand and more than half of the total electricity produced in the country is through thermal plants. The need to look beyond fossil fuels and invest more on atomic energy now seems to be a viable option. Nuclear power, which currently supplies about one-sixth of global electricity, is the principal alternative of fossil fuel that could, in the foreseeable future, provide electricity on a large scale.
Reasons why Atomic Energy can be Chosen as an Alternative to Fossil Fuel:
- The burning of fossil fuels (oil, gas, and coal) emits greenhouse gases, there is no greenhouse emission of nuclear fuel produced by atomic energy.
- Nuclear fuel is a more efficient energy source. For the same volume of fuel, it produces far more energy than carbon-based fuels.
- Fossil fuel has a limited supply where nuclear fuel can be used alternatively.
- Atomic energy is a reliable source of energy. Reactors, with a few exceptions, spend little down time.
- Atomic energy is cost effective when a standardized reactor design is used. Breeder reactors are designed such that they can be used as renewable resources.
- Atomic energy produces fewer wastages as compared to fossil fuel.
Raw Materials Required for the Generation of Atomic Energy:
There are two main processes, by which atomic energy is generated: Nuclear Fusion and Nuclear Fission. For Nuclear Fission, Uranium (U- 235, U233), Thorium, and Plutonium are used. Isotopes of Lithium and Hydrogen are used in the process of Nuclear Fusion.
Availability of Raw Material in India and in the World:
- India’s Thorium reserves account for one-fourth of the global reserves. India, at 70,000 tonnes, has a significant amount of Uranium available for the generation of atomic energy as well.
- Major areas where Thorium is found are in the States of Odisha, West Bengal, Kerala, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, etc.
- Uranium reserves are mostly found in Bihar and Jharkhand. Recently, it has been discovered in Arunachal Pradesh as well.
- Across the world, Kazakhstan, Canada, and Australia lead the Uranium mining production.
- Apart from India, Australia, Canada and the US have the biggest reserve of Thorium.
With raw materials available, India is at a juncture where it has to take the atomic energy programme forward. Currently, only around 3 percent of the total energy is being generated through this means. The government has signed agreements regarding this with the USA, Japan, the UK, Australia to increase energy production. Energy demand is increasing in India about twice as fast as overall energy use and is likely to rise by more than half to 2040. Nuclear deals with these countries are a step in the right direction to meet the sustainable energy demands.
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