India is setting its sights on a nuclear-powered future, pledging more than $2 billion to boost research and development. This ambitious move is part of a broader strategy to ramp up electricity generation while cutting down on harmful emissions. Announced by India’s finance minister, the initiative aims to expand nuclear energy capabilities, positioning this clean power source as a key player in the country’s energy landscape.
Nuclear power presents an attractive option for India, a country striving to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, which currently account for over 75% of its electricity. While nuclear energy is free from carbon emissions, it's not without its challenges, notably the management of radioactive waste. Nevertheless, India's bold target of reaching 100 gigawatts of nuclear capacity by 2047 could potentially electrify around 60 million homes annually.
Experts emphasize the necessity of stable power sources like nuclear to complement intermittent renewable energy like solar and wind. However, skepticism surrounds India's nuclear ambitions due to the underdeveloped state of its current nuclear industry and lingering public apprehensions.
Shayak Sengupta, a senior research associate at Columbia University, notes that India's nuclear growth could benefit from the global expertise, especially from the U.S., which has more advanced nuclear technology, including the development of smaller, cost-effective reactors. This international cooperation is expected to be on the agenda when Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets with U.S. leadership, underscoring nuclear power's global significance.
Despite its potential, nuclear power comes with its economic challenges in India, where it's approximately three times costlier than solar energy. Traditional nuclear plants require substantial time and investment to construct, sometimes taking up to six years. However, the advent of small modular reactors offers a quicker, albeit initially less powerful, alternative.
In the past decade, India has notably doubled its nuclear energy output, which currently constitutes a mere 3% of the national energy mix. A major hurdle remains persuading local communities to accept nearby installations, a significant barrier demonstrated by protests at existing and planned sites, such as Kudankulam and areas in Maharashtra. These protests often arise from legitimate concerns over safety and environmental impact.
On an international scale, interest in nuclear power is resurging, marking the highest levels of engagement since the 1970s oil crises. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports 63 nuclear reactors are under construction worldwide, highlighting a global shift towards reliable and clean energy options.
However, Madhura Joshi from the climate think tank E3G cautions that nuclear should not overshadow other renewable technologies. Solar and other renewables, along with energy storage solutions, offer quicker routes to addressing immediate energy needs.
India's nuclear energy ambitions could significantly reshape its energy strategy, but success hinges on overcoming public opposition and economic hurdles. Balancing nuclear with other renewable sources remains crucial for reaching a greener, sustainable future.
