PARLIAMENT QUESTION: NUCLEAR FUEL PROGRAMME

Why in news

The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) is promoting indigenous thorium-based technologies to ensure long-term energy security and achieve self-reliance in the nuclear fuel cycle, as stated in a Parliament Question.

Exam relevance

GS3 · Science & Technology, Economy · Prelims · Mains

Key facts

1. The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) promotes indigenous thorium-based technologies for long-term energy security and self-reliance in the nuclear fuel cycle.
2. India possesses limited uranium resources but vast reserves of thorium.
3. The DAE is pursuing a Three Stage Nuclear Power Programme to optimally utilise limited uranium and exploit large thorium reserves for sustainable long-term energy security.
4. This programme is based on a closed fuel cycle, where spent fuel from one stage is reprocessed to extract fissile material for use in the next stage.
5. DAE has developed expertise in reactor design, manufacturing, construction, and front-end and back-end fuel cycle technologies for Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs).
6. PHWRs are deployed in the first stage of India's nuclear power programme.
7. Plutonium extracted from the spent fuel of domestic PHWRs serves as fuel for the second stage of the nuclear power programme.
8. Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) has indigenously developed and implemented back-end fuel cycle technologies, including fuel fabrication.
9. Back-end fuel cycle plants are operational at Tarapur and Kalpakkam.
10. An Integrated Nuclear Recycle Plant (INRP) is located at Tarapur.

Prelims pointers

• India's Three Stage Nuclear Power Programme aims to utilise thorium.
• India has vast thorium reserves and limited uranium resources.
• The nuclear power programme is based on a closed fuel cycle.
• Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) are part of the first stage of the programme.
• Plutonium from PHWRs is used as fuel for the second stage.
• Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) is involved in indigenous back-end fuel cycle technologies.
• Back-end fuel cycle plants are operational at Tarapur and Kalpakkam.
• Integrated Nuclear Recycle Plant (INRP) is at Tarapur.

Mains practice question

Discuss the objectives and stages of India's Three-Stage Nuclear Power Programme. How does this indigenous approach contribute to the nation's energy security and self-reliance?

Static linkage

India's Three-Stage Nuclear Power Programme is a long-term strategy conceived to achieve energy independence by leveraging the country's abundant thorium reserves, given its limited uranium resources. It is a cornerstone of India's nuclear energy policy.

Significance

The promotion of indigenous thorium-based technologies and the Three Stage Nuclear Power Programme are crucial for India's energy security, reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels and uranium. It fosters self-reliance in advanced nuclear technologies, from reactor design to fuel cycle management, enhancing India's strategic autonomy. The closed fuel cycle approach also contributes to sustainable resource utilization and waste management in the long run.