Brief Context
Context Recently, Dr. Srinivasan, renowned nuclear scientist and former Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) chairman passed away. Recent Advancements Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR): India has entered Stage II of its nuclear programme with the core-loading of the PFBR at Kalpakkam.
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Syllabus: GS3/Science & Technology
Context
- Recently, Dr. M.R. Srinivasan, renowned nuclear scientist and former Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) chairman passed away.
| About Dr. M.R. Srinivasan – Born: 5th January 1930 – Career and Contributions: 1. 1955: Joined the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), working alongside Dr. Homi Bhabha on India’s first nuclear research reactor, Apsara. 2. 1959: Appointed as Principal Project Engineer for India’s first atomic power station. 3. 1967: Chief Project Engineer of the Madras Atomic Power Station 4. 1974: In-Charge of the Power Projects Engineering Division 5. 1984: Appointed as Chairman of the Nuclear Power Board 6. 1987: Appointed Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy (6.1) Founder-Chairman of the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), under which 18 nuclear power units were developed. – Recognition and Legacy: 1. Member of the Planning Commission (1996-98); 2. Padma Shri (1984); Padma Bhushan (1990); Padma Vibhushan (2015) 3. National Security Advisory Board (2002-04, 2006-08). |
India’s Nuclear Programme
- It has been a cornerstone of its energy strategy, balancing self-reliance, technological advancement, and global cooperation, with the focus on clean energy and strategic security.
Historical Development
- The Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) was established in 1948 under Dr. Homi Bhabha. It was structured into a three-stage plan:
- Stage I: Utilization of Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) using natural uranium.
- Stage II: Development of Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs) to generate plutonium.
- Stage III: Deployment of Advanced Thorium Reactors, leveraging India’s vast thorium reserves.
- India holds 21% of the world’s thorium reserves, with indigenous projects like Bhavani aiming to harness this resource.
Current Status
- Installed Capacity: India operates 23 nuclear reactors across seven power plants, contributing to 8,180 MW (2024 data) of electricity (4,780 MW in 2014).
- It is projected to reach 22,480 MW by 2031-32.
Energy Mix and Role of Nuclear Power
- Renewable Shift: India is transitioning towards clean energy, with nuclear power playing a crucial role in reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
- Grid Distribution: The revised framework allocates 50% of nuclear-generated electricity to home states, 35% to neighboring states, and 15% to the national grid.
Recent Advancements
- Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR): India has entered Stage II of its nuclear programme with the core-loading of the PFBR at Kalpakkam.
- Expansion Plans: 10 new reactors are approved and exploring private sector participation to accelerate growth, including Bharat Small Modular Reactors (BSMRs).
- International Collaborations: India has signed agreements with Russia, France, and the U.S. for nuclear technology exchange.