Is it feasible for nuclear energy to supplant coal-based electricity production in India?
India, rich in Thorium - a potential fuel source for nuclear power - is poised to make significant strides in nuclear power development. This comes as the country grapples with challenges such as high capital costs, safety concerns, and waste management, all of which are crucial in this context.
Currently, coal plays a significant role in India's energy landscape, being the second-largest producer and consumer of coal globally. It meets over 70% of India's power needs. However, the rise of nuclear power is on the horizon, albeit with a smaller share compared to coal-based baseload power plants.
The future of nuclear power in India lies in small reactors, modified scaled-down versions of India's well-established pressurized heavy water reactor technology. These adaptable reactors can be used in remote areas and for large industries like steel and cement plants.
Despite the growth in nuclear power generation, long-term replacement of coal by nuclear remains challenging due to construction times, costs, and the scale of coal usage. However, nuclear power is considered a strategic component in India's energy mix, with the potential to reduce fossil fuel dependency over time.
For resource-rich states like Jharkhand, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh, abandoning coal could pose an existential question due to its significant economic impact. Nuclear power, however, could potentially meet the energy requirements that cannot be provided by intermittent renewable sources alone.
Nuclear power aligns more closely with India's vision for a low-carbon future. It is one of the cleanest energy sources, with life cycle CO2 emissions per unit of electricity generation being just 12g, compared to 820g in the case of coal-based power generation. Environmental concerns related to coal, including its contribution to over 40% of India's CO2 emissions and its role in air pollution, further underscore the need for a shift towards cleaner energy sources.
Fast-tracking of Thorium reactors and advancing indigenous technologies like the Bharat Small Reactors and Small Modular Reactors can enhance energy security and reduce dependency on imported uranium. However, securing suitable sites for nuclear plants often encounters resistance from local communities concerned about displacement, environmental impacts, and the possibility of radiation hazards.
The recent opening up of the nuclear sector through joint ventures and private sector participation could be catalysts for nuclear power development in India. The Indian government has set a target of a non-fossil energy capacity of 500 gigawatts (GW) by 2030, with a focus on solar and wind energy. Interest in nuclear power has also increased in countries like Japan, the US, China, South Korea, and France, due to its potential as a reliable source for decarbonization and geopolitical developments following the Ukraine war.
It is evident that India's energy strategy should be a judicious mix of coal, nuclear power, and clean energy resources. The progressive reduction of coal's share in the energy mix is important for the transition to a net zero energy scenario. The coal industry supports millions of jobs, but it often results in environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity, and displacement of communities. A balanced approach is necessary to ensure energy security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.
This article was written by K Ramanathan and Arunendra Kumar Tiwari, Distinguished Fellow and Associate Fellow at The Energy and Resources Institute, New Delhi, respectively, and was originally published under Creative Commons by 360info.
