India’s Nuclear Power Program: A Critical Review - 2022

Nuclear Power Industry

Vaidyanathan and Kale reported in early 2022 that global carbon emissions have been rising sharply since the start of the 20th century, and countries have adopted various policies in recent years to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in different sectors. Nuclear energy is one energy source that is least polluting with minimum GHG emissions.

India’s nuclear power program started with Heavy water reactors in the first stage followed by Fast Reactors in the second stage. Third stage of Thorium utilisation is yet to start. The deployment of Pu/depleted U from Heavy water reactors in fast reactors would help in the effective utilisation of the indigenous uranium resources to a large extent besides reducing the waste. The thorium technology to obtain uranium²³³ is equally important as India possesses large amounts of thorium deposits. With sufficient U²³³ they can provide a significant long-term solution to fuel our nuclear reactors to produce electricity needed for its development. Linked to the nuclear programme is the availability of fuel, ability to reprocess the spent fuel and manage the wastes. India’s waiver from the Nuclear Suppliers’ Group and its agreement with the global atomic energy body, IAEA, have resulted in limited breakthroughs in the nuclear sector in the last decade and allowed the import of fuel. This paper undertakes a review of the different steps taken by India in the nuclear arena and makes a realistic assessment of its current nuclear power program.

Nuclear power is a big source for India and can provide clean energy, enabling it to meet the power demand with minimal release of GHG. This article has brought out the developments in the Indian nuclear power programme and it is seen that DAE has realized the objective of developing technologies as envisaged. Despite embargoes India has been able to develop technologies for building PHWRs including fuel fabrication, heavy water production, spent
fuel reprocessing, waste management and other nuclear technologies on a broad front. The progress towards self reliance to date is adequate testimony to the high capability of Indian Scientists and Engineers. They have shown their mettle in overcoming many problems in the operation of PHWRs and FBRs, without external help. The below parperformance of the programme can be attributed to the following:

a) Hurry in acquiring foreign designs that were not proven,
b) Trying to leapfrog without assimilation of new reactor technology,
c) Mismatch between demand and domestic supply of uranium,
d) Long delay in achieving requisite Heavy WaterProduction,
e) Industrial Infrastructure had to be developed along with reactor construction.

Following are other salient observations:

• Nuclear power is much more technologically oriented. India should have gone ahead with a prototype before embarking on commercial reactors.

• After the success of the Tarapur PHWR units 3, and 4, DAE should have gone to the government to get financial sanction for a fleet of 540 MWe PHWRs instead of going for the 700 MWe PHWR, the first unit of which was commissioned only in July, 2020. This would have kept the industry alive with orders and nuclear contribution could have improved.

• Several years of delay in finalising the design of PFBR has resulted in the loss of experienced designers and operators in-house and in industry, all having superannuated in service.

• Effectively we are importing both natural uranium and enriched uranium to run our nuclear reactors.

In keeping with the above, the following recommendations are being made. These recommendations are based on the authors’ personal opinions and do not represent the views of the DAE.

• The exploration and mining of Uranium deposits need to be undertaken urgently after resolving the local issues (Andhra Pradesh & Meghalaya) through a strong public awareness programme. DAE could use the services of its retired personnel.

• Establishment of PHWR spent fuel reprocessing plants in a timely manner is essential to avoid Pu shortage for the initial few FBRs.• Future project sanctions and orders must also be for a series of reactors to achieve economy and effective utilisation of the design and manufacturing personnel as well as manufacturing facilities created so far.

• The import of PWRs with imported uranium is only a short-term measure. Looking at the way the fuel supply for Tarapur plants was suspended by USA midway; this approach cannot be recommended on a large scale towards sustainable nuclear development. While doing so, NPCIL should absorb technology so that in due course of time, it can set up PWRs on its own as has been done by South Korea and China.The commissioning of PFBR at Kalpakkam needs to be taken up on a war footing with the involvement of the experienced personnel. The FBR programme is crucial to effective utilisation of the limited indigenous natural uranium resource in India and later for thorium utilisation or generating power.

• A consortium approach is needed to build nuclear power plants. There are very few industries with sufficient capability to build components for nuclear reactors and only a consortium approach would bring in these industries which would be assured of orders. Working together with Indian industry, NPCIL must look at innovative ways to complete projects on time and within budget.

• Given India’s ambitious nuclear power program, there is a need for a systematic and well-organized initiative for public acceptance. The public outreach programme needs to be strengthened. Greater attention is required at the time of site selection/evaluation to obviate delays once the construction begins. It is best to take immediate note of the objections raised by the people, particularly those residing in the vicinity regarding employment and compensation to land losers appropriately.

• Efforts on Thorium utilisation in molten salt reactors must be given an impetus and a prototype reactor of small power say 10 MWt should be built early. Realistic projections should be made on Thorium reactors based on ground realities.

• In short, timely completion of the on-going and planned projects, safe and efficient operation of the operating plants (Reactors and Fuel Cycle Facilities) should be of the highest priority. Failing in this target will derail all other ambitious objectives of fast reactors and subsequent thorium reactors.