Human development has always necessitated substantial energy resources. The growth of populations, industrialisation, and technological advancements are heavily dependent on reliable energy sources. Throughout history, nations have prioritised securing energy supplies that can sustain progress and promote stability. However, in recent decades, the urgency for sustainable development has intensified, primarily driven by the looming threat of climate change. This evolving challenge adds a critical dimension to the quest for energy security.
India, as one of the world’s fastest-growing nations, is grappling with the dual challenge of meeting its burgeoning energy demands while ensuring sustainability. With a population exceeding 1.4 billion and a rapidly expanding economy, the country faces the imperative of identifying reliable energy sources that can support both its immediate needs and long-term development goals. In this context, nuclear energy emerges as one of the most promising solutions.
Nuclear power has the distinct advantage of generating an immense amount of energy from a small quantity of uranium. This efficiency positions it as a viable long-term energy source, capable of providing stable electricity to fuel industrial growth and improve the quality of life for millions.
Moreover, nuclear power plants produce almost no greenhouse gases during operation, making them a crucial asset in India’s strategy to combat climate change while advancing its development objectives.
THE BEGINNINGS
The vision for India’s nuclear energy programme was first articulated by Dr Homi Jehangir Bhabha, often referred to as the father of India’s nuclear power programme. In the 1950s, Dr Bhabha devised a comprehensive three-stage nuclear power programme aimed at achieving energy independence. This strategic blueprint was rooted in scientific acumen and economic foresight, intended not only to secure India’s energy future but also to enhance sustainability. Dr Bhabha’s pioneering vision laid the groundwork for developing nuclear and radiation technologies that extend beyond energy generation. His approach fostered advancements in medical applications, agricultural practices, and industrial processes, all of which contribute to societal well-being and sustainable development.
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Thus, by promoting the peaceful use of nuclear technology, India has positioned itself as a responsible player on the global stage.
As India strides towards its ambitious goals of expanding nuclear energy capacity, the potential benefits are multifaceted. The move towards nuclear energy not only aims to diversify the country’s energy portfolio but also to create jobs, enhance energy security, and mitigate environmental impact (see figure on the facing page). By harnessing nuclear technology, India can significantly reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, thus contributing to global efforts to limit carbon emissions and combat climate change.
INDIA’S NUCLEAR POWER JOURNEY: A SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FUTURE
India’s three-stage nuclear power programme stands out for its innovative use of both uranium and thorium reserves. The first stage, currently in operation, employs Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) fuelled by natural uranium. With 23 nuclear power plants successfully and efficiently operating, these reactors currently contribute nearly 3% of India’s total electricity generation. This is particularly significant for a rapidly industrialising nation, helping to provide stable electricity while avoiding billions of tonnes of CO2 emissions. Beyond its environmental benefits, nuclear energy is a cornerstone of India’s strategy to sustainably meet its growing energy demands. The country aims to expand its nuclear capacity to 100 GW by 2047, which would supply around 9% of its electricity. Some optimistic projections even suggest that, under high human development scenarios, India could achieve over 300 GW of nuclear capacity by 2070.
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India is also pursuing large-capacity Light Water Reactors (LWRs) in collaboration with international technology vendors, starting with the Kudankulam project. More reactors, each exceeding 1000 MW, are slated for development in states like Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat. Meanwhile, the 500 MW Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam has recently received regulatory approval for its initial approach to criticality, marking the transition to the second stage of India’s nuclear programme. This phase focuses on developing large-capacity fast breeder reactors that produce more fuel than they consume and utilising India’s extensive thorium reserves to ensure a sustainable nuclear energy future.
India is also exploring advanced technologies such as molten salt reactors and high-temperature gas-cooled reactors, which promise enhanced safety and efficiency in energy production. The government is also pushing for the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), branded as Bharat SMRs, designed to deliver reliable, clean energy to rural areas and industrial hubs. SMRs are particularly appealing for India’s varied energy needs due to their flexibility, quicker deployment, and stable power supply. With plans for nuclear power to play a crucial role in clean hydrogen generation, industrial heating, district cooling, and desalination, India is preparing for significant expansion by adopting SMRs and other advanced reactor technologies. Encouraging private sector participation in the SMR initiative could unlock vast opportunities for the industry within India’s nuclear landscape.
To fuel this ambitious power programme, India is actively pursuing international collaborations to secure uranium supplies. Strategic agreements with uranium-exporting nations like Uzbekistan, Nigeria, Russia, Australia, and Canada are bolstering India’s uranium supply chain. Simultaneously, the exploration of domestic uranium resources in western, southern, and northeastern India is ongoing, ensuring a reliable and sustainable fuel supply for future reactors. On the back end of the fuel cycle, India is fostering innovation in separation science and developing solutions for the reprocessing and management of radioactive waste generated by future power reactors. Preparations for the third stage of the nuclear programme, which will leverage thorium in advanced reactors, are also underway, further securing the nation’s energy future.
THE EXPANDING IMPACT OF NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY IN INDIA
Nuclear technology in India is making significant strides beyond just power production. The nation is experiencing rapid growth in the application of nuclear and radiation technologies across diverse sectors, marking a transformative shift in its industrial and healthcare landscapes.
Advancements in Nuclear Medicine
The rise in the production of radiopharmaceuticals and radiotherapeutics is leading to the establishment of more nuclear medicine centres throughout the country. These centres will enhance patient access to cutting-edge diagnostic and therapeutic tools, ultimately improving health outcomes and expanding treatment options for various conditions. The nuclear imaging market, in particular, has seen remarkable growth, projected to reach nearly $400 million by 2029, indicating the increasing demand for advanced imaging technologies in medical practice.
This surge in radiopharmaceutical production is largely driven by the large-scale operations of medical cyclotrons, which generate isotopes essential for diagnostic imaging and therapeutic applications. By integrating these technologies into clinical workflows, healthcare providers can detect diseases earlier, personalise treatment plans, and monitor patient responses more effectively.
The proliferation of nuclear medicine centres will also stimulate research and development, fostering innovation in radiopharmaceutical formulations and new therapeutic approaches. Increased access to these advanced tools will enable the domestic healthcare system to deliver more effective and timely interventions, benefiting patients and enhancing overall public health. Collaboration among researchers, healthcare providers, and manufacturers will be crucial in maximising the potential of nuclear medicine to address a wide range of health challenges.
Industrial Applications of Radiation
The industrial use of radioactive sources is gaining significant traction, especially in non-destructive testing (NDT), where these sources are employed for precise flaw detection in materials and structures. NDT techniques, such as radiography, provide critical insights into the integrity of materials without causing damage, making them essential in sectors like manufacturing, construction, and aerospace. The increasing demand for these techniques is leading to a steady rise in the production of indigenous industrial radiography devices, with India’s radiography market expected to grow robustly at nearly 12% over the next decade.
Radioisotopes are also playing a vital role in water resource management and optimising industrial processes. They are used to track and analyse water sources, detect leaks in pipelines, and improve the efficiency of industrial systems, thereby enhancing sustainability efforts and reducing waste.
Environmental Management Innovations
Radiation-based technologies, such as electron beam irradiation, are becoming more widely adopted, particularly in environmental management. For instance, electron beam technology effectively treats dye wastewater, degrading harmful chemicals and mineralising contaminants. This approach provides a cleaner and more efficient method for managing industrial effluents, contributing to environmental protection. Furthermore, radiation technology significantly impacts the hygienisation of sewage sludge. By exposing sludge to Co-60 gamma radiation, pathogens are effectively deactivated, rendering the treated sludge safe for agricultural use. This not only aids in waste management but also supports agricultural sustainability by transforming hazardous waste into useful fertilizers.
Enhancing Agricultural Resilience
In agriculture, India has made remarkable progress by utilising radiation technology to develop seed varieties that are more resistant to climate-related challenges. One key method involves using gamma radiation to induce mutations in seeds, accelerating natural processes that typically take much longer. This innovative technique has led to the creation of high-yielding seed varieties that mature more quickly, withstand biotic and abiotic stresses, and improve nutritional quality.
So far, 70 seed varieties have been successfully released for commercial use, showcasing the effectiveness of this technology. These improved varieties are designed to adapt to changing environmental conditions, making them robust against drought, pests, and diseases. As climate change poses increasing threats to crop production, the demand for resilient agricultural practices is expected to rise, prompting the establishment of more irradiation facilities to support government initiatives focused on irradiating seeds and crops.
Building a Skilled Workforce
Education and training in nuclear physics and engineering are on the rise, with more universities offering specialised courses to cultivate a skilled workforce crucial for supporting India’s nuclear ambitions. Public awareness programmes promoting the benefits of nuclear energy are becoming increasingly common, and introducing nuclear science concepts at school and college levels is likely to inspire future careers in the nuclear industry. Structured programmes are being developed to enhance human resource capabilities, ensuring that India is well-prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities of its expanding nuclear sector.
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Strengthening Regulatory Frameworks
Alongside advancements in nuclear education and technology, India is actively bolstering its nuclear regulatory framework to ensure the safe and responsible use of nuclear and radiation technologies. Establishing additional nuclear regulatory centres is a significant step in this endeavour, providing necessary oversight and governance to uphold high safety standards across the industry. This commitment to a robust regulatory framework not only enhances public confidence in nuclear initiatives but also underscores India’s dedication to maintaining safety as it expands its nuclear footprint.
CONCLUSION
The rising confidence in India’s nuclear programme—both domestically and internationally—highlights its potential to position the country as a global leader in nuclear technology. As India continues to enhance its nuclear infrastructure and capabilities, it serves as a model for other nations, showcasing how nuclear technology can be harnessed responsibly to tackle the pressing challenges of our time. This ambitious journey not only addresses India’s energy needs but also contributes to global efforts for a cleaner, more sustainable future. Ultimately, India’s nuclear ambitions promise to transform it into a beacon of sustainable development, benefiting its citizens and also the broader global community.
*Prof (Dr) Dinesh Kumar Aswal is a senior member of the Trombay Council, the apex decision making body at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), and director of the Health, Safety and Environment Group, BARC, while Anirudh Chandra is Scientific Officer ‘E’ in the Emergency Preparedness and Response Section (EPRS) of the Radiation Safety Systems Division at BARC.
