changeadminIndia has set an ambitious target of 100 GW nuclear power capacity by 2047, a massive leap of more than 90 GW from the 8-9 GW it stands now.
The country is the world’s fifth-largest economy with a population of over 1.4 billion and an aspiration to become a developed economy by 2047. Given this scenario, India will need massive energy to fuel its growth.
Driven by the challenges of climate change, the power has to come from renewable and non-polluting sources.
While the government is working more on renewables (wind and solar), nuclear power has emerged as a crucial pillar in India’s quest for a sustainable and self-reliant energy future.
Let us explore India’s nuclear journey over the years to get a perspective on the ups and downs of this energy solution.
Journey Begins
India’s nuclear strategy is centered around the visionary three-stage nuclear program conceived by Homi Bhabha, who envisioned harnessing nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and leveraging the country’s vast thorium reserves.
In 1948, shortly after India’s Independence, the Atomic Energy Commission was formed. In 1956, Asia’s first research reactor, Apsara, was launched at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in Trombay. These initial efforts laid the groundwork for what would evolve into one of the most extensive nuclear programs globally.
First Nuclear Test
On May 18, 1974, a milestone was achieved in India’s nuclear journey as it conducted its first nuclear test at the Pokhran Test Range in the Thar Desert, Rajasthan. Many viewed it as a reaction to China’s nuclear test in 1964, and India felt vulnerable to the growing tensions from adverse neighbours.
While the test showcased India’s commitment to advancing its nuclear technology, the country faced international sanctions and limited access to critical materials and technology. This isolation made it difficult to accelerate the development of nuclear power.
In the next few years, apart from international restrictions, India faced significant financial challenges, and the government had limited resources to invest in large-scale nuclear energy infrastructure. The cost of developing nuclear technology, including reactors, research facilities, and the necessary scientific expertise, was high.
The priorities focused on addressing socio-economic challenges such as poverty alleviation, industrialization, and agricultural development took precedence over investment in nuclear energy.
Moreover, nuclear energy faced opposition in various parts of the world due to safety concerns (e.g., the Three Mile Island accident in 1979, Chernobyl in 1986). India also experienced local opposition to nuclear power plants due to fears about safety and environmental impact.
Second Nuclear Test
India’s nuclear energy development was slow, but it was never stopped. By the late 1990s, India had already developed its nuclear program, which included both peaceful nuclear explosions and military capabilities.
On May 11 and 13, 1998, India conducted its second nuclear test at the Pokhran Test Range. It consisted of a series of five nuclear tests, including both fission and thermonuclear (hydrogen bomb) devices.
The test was viewed as a bold decision to declare India’s nuclear capabilities and demonstrate its strength. It was seen as a strategic move to demonstrate India’s nuclear journey and assert its status as a major global player.
However, once again, the international community, particularly the United States and other Western nations, reacted strongly against the nuclear tests. Many countries imposed economic sanctions on India in response to the tests. The global reaction was one of concern about the potential for an arms race in South Asia, especially given India’s longstanding tensions with Pakistan.
Despite international pressure and sanctions, India did not relent and continued with its nuclear program. Over time, the sanctions were gradually lifted, and India established stronger diplomatic ties with many countries, including the U.S.
The tests marked India’s formal entry into the group of nuclear-armed states. Further, it declared a moratorium on nuclear testing, aligning with its stance on the global Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), which it has not yet signed but has expressed support for in principle, provided there are guarantees for nuclear disarmament. After 1998, India has not conducted any further nuclear tests.
India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement
In 2008, a significant agreement between the United States and India, also known as the US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement, was finalized. This allowed India to engage in civilian nuclear trade with the United States and other countries, despite India not being a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
The agreement allowed India to engage in the civilian nuclear trade with the United States and other countries that were part of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). This enabled India to import nuclear technology, fuel, and reactors to meet its growing energy needs.
The deal stipulated that India would subject its civilian nuclear facilities to inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). However, India was allowed to keep its military nuclear program separate and exempt from international inspections.
The deal faced resistance within India from people concerned about the country’s sovereignty over its nuclear policy and from countries, especially Pakistan and China, who were concerned that it would encourage nuclear proliferation in the region.
Post-2008 Developments
After the agreement, the US and India began engaging in nuclear cooperation, with US companies getting involved in building nuclear reactors in India. However, full implementation was slow due to challenges related to nuclear liability laws in India, which limited foreign investment in the nuclear energy sector.
The Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act created a complex and controversial framework for dealing with liability in case of a nuclear accident. This law made foreign suppliers of nuclear technology liable for damages, creating concerns among international companies about their legal exposure, leading to a reluctance to invest in India’s nuclear sector.
Then in 2011, the Fukushima disaster in Japan had another profound impact on global nuclear energy development. Countries like Germany and Japan took steps to phase out or reduce their reliance on nuclear energy, and safety concerns became a dominant issue worldwide.
Additionally, large nuclear reactors worldwide have started losing relevance. While large reactors have traditionally been the cornerstone of nuclear energy generation, the global energy landscape is changing, driven by technological advancements and high capital costs.
As a result, nuclear energy growth slowed globally, and countries including India became more hesitant to invest in new reactors or pursue ambitious nuclear programs.
Alternative Renewable Energy Sources
The global emphasis on reducing carbon emissions also led to increased investment in renewables, which diverted attention away from nuclear energy.
India began focusing more on renewable energy sources like solar and wind, which were seen as safer and more environmentally friendly alternatives to nuclear power.
On one hand, nuclear power plants are capital-intensive and often take a long time (10-15 years), on the other hand, technological advancements and economies of scale have made solar and wind energy sources far cheaper.
India’s nuclear journey continued to progress, but it also ramped up its investments in renewable energy, especially solar power, which has become cheaper and more scalable. As a result, the priority for large-scale nuclear projects diminished in favor of other energy options.
Over the last couple of decades, the costs of both solar photovoltaics (PV) and wind turbines have dramatically decreased. Solar and wind power are often cheaper than fossil fuels and nuclear energy in many regions, especially considering long-term operational costs.
Small Modular Reactors
In response to the limitations of traditional large-scale nuclear reactors and the need for more cost-effective, safe, and flexible energy solutions, Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) have emerged as a solution in the nuclear energy sector.
The 2010s saw concerted efforts to develop and commercialize SMRs. Several companies and governments began funding research and development for first-of-a-kind SMR designs, including designs based on advanced reactor technologies like molten salt reactors, high-temperature gas reactors, and integral fast reactors.
Small Modular Reactors are seen as a promising way to provide clean, low-carbon energy while avoiding some of the challenges faced by large nuclear plants, including safety concerns, long construction timelines, and high costs.
India’s Changing Nuclear Dynamics
India has traditionally focused on large nuclear reactors, such as the Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR) and the Fast Breeder Reactors (FBR). In June 2023, India’s first indigenously developed 700 MW pressurised heavy water nuclear power reactor started operations in Gujarat.
Recognizing the growing demand for decentralized and flexible power generation, India has shifted attention toward small modular reactors and Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs).
In this year’s budget, the government has allocated Rs 20,000 crore (~$2.35 bn) for SMR research and development, aiming to develop at least five indigenously designed operational SMRS by 2033.
BSRs, essentially 220 MW PHWRS with proven safety and performance records, are being upgraded to reduce land requirements, making them suitable for deployment near industries as captive power plants to aid in decarbonisation efforts.
In December 2024, for the first time, the nuclear sector in India was opened for private Indian businesses.
The development of Bharat SMRs will likely require collaboration with international partners, advancements in nuclear technology, and careful consideration of safety and regulatory frameworks.
While operations of India’s Bharat Small Modular Reactor 200 MWe are still a few years away, the interest in these reactors reflects India’s desire to leverage advanced nuclear technologies to meet growing energy needs while reducing carbon emissions.
International Corporations
India’s nuclear journey is fraught with ups and downs in terms of its international relationships with periods of tension and cooperation. This dynamic has been shaped by a mix of historical, political, and strategic factors.
Right from the beginning, the US and Western world looked at India’s nuclear ambitions with scepticism, even imposing sanctions following the tests, aimed at curbing its nuclear ambitions.
However, in the last decade, particularly with the rise of China and shared strategic interests, things have changed for the better. In February 2024, when the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met US President Donald Trump, the nuclear energy partnership was a breakthrough.
The two leaders decided to take forward the civil nuclear deal signed by the two nations in 2005 and ‘fully realize the U.S.-India 123 Civil Nuclear Agreement’. The agreement will enable collaboration to develop, deploy and scale up nuclear power generation with advanced small modular reactors.
A few days earlier, India and France agreed to make nuclear energy an essential part of energy security and to transition towards a low-carbon economy. There was even a letter of intent on Small Modular Reactor (SMR) and Advanced Modular Reactor (AMR) in the mix.
Wrapping Up
Today, India’s nuclear capacity has reached 8,880 MW, spread across 25 operational reactors and annual electricity generation from these plants was 47,971 million units in 2023-24. Nuclear power expansion programme of 13,600 MW is under implementation and is expected to increase the nuclear power capacity to 22,480 MW by 2031-32.
The progress underscores India’s nuclear journey over the years. The government has created a well-established nuclear infrastructure, with different agencies overseeing its nuclear power initiatives.
One of the biggest challenges for nuclear energy in India is public perception. Concerns about nuclear safety, especially after the Fukushima disaster, have made some communities hesitant about nuclear power.
While nuclear safety standards have significantly improved, these concerns still remain. India needs to ensure strong regulatory frameworks, transparency, and public engagement to build trust and ensure that nuclear energy is seen as a safe and reliable source of power.
Ultimately, India’s nuclear energy goals will require a balanced approach, combining technological innovation, international collaboration, strong safety standards, and broad public support. It’s a challenging yet promising path towards meeting the country’s energy and climate goals.
The article is written by Varun, Founder of Change Started
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