Syllabus
GS Paper 3 – Infrastructure – Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
Applications where to apply?
When asked about
– Nuclear Energy
– Renewable Energy
– Small Modular Reactors
Context
Prime Minister Narendra Modi witnessed the start of the process of core-loading the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at the Madras Atomic Power Station in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu.This event marks a significant milestone in India’s nuclear power program.
Source
The Hindu | Editorial dated 5th March 2024
The status of India’s nuclear programme
India’s nuclear power program has reached a significant milestone with the commencement of core-loading at the indigenous Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. Designed to mark the beginning of stage II in India’s three-stage nuclear power strategy , the PFBR holds promise for India’s energy self-sufficiency. Despite the delays and challenges faced in its development, the PFBR underscores India’s commitment to nuclear energy as a crucial component of its energy mix.
India’s Nuclear Power Strategy
India’s nuclear strategy is structured around a three-stage nuclear power program designed by Homi J. Bhabha. The program aims to utilize the country’s abundant thorium resources. The stages involve the use of different types of reactors to achieve self-sufficiency in nuclear energy.
- Stage I – Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs): In the initial stage, India used Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) and natural uranium-238 (U-238) as the fissile material. These reactors produce plutonium-239 (Pu-239) as a byproduct.
- Stage II – Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR): The second stage involves the production of plutonium-239 (Pu-239) through fast breeder reactors (FBRs)..
- Stage III – Thorium-Based Reactors: In the third stage, India plans to use Pu-239 along with thorium-232 (Th-232) in reactors to produce energy and U-233. This stage utilizes the thorium fuel cycle to further enhance energy production
Stage – II – Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR)
Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) set up a special-purpose vehicle in 2003 called Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam, Ltd. (BHAVINI) to implement stage II.
The Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR) designed the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR). The PFBR utilizes plutonium-239 (Pu-239) and uranium-238 to generate energy and produce more nuclear fuel.
Technical Details
- Fissile Material: The reactor uses a mixed oxide fuel containing Uranium and Plutonium-239 (obtained as a byproduct from the first stage of the nuclear fuel cycle).
- Coolant: Liquid sodium, a highly reactive metal, circulates in two separate loops to transfer heat and generate electricity.
- Breeding Capability: The PFBR is a “breeder reactor,” meaning it produces more fissile material (Pu-239) than it consumes, potentially increasing fuel efficiency and resource utilization.
Significance of PFBR
- The operationalization of the PFBR marks the beginning of stage II in India’s nuclear strategy.
- The reactor designed to produce more nuclear fuel (Pu-239 and U-233) than it consumes
- PFBR has a capacity of 500 MWe, and plans for additional fast breeder reactors have been proposed.
Reasons for Delays in the PFBR Project
The Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) project in India has experienced significant delays due to a combination of factors, including:
- External Factors:
- Sanctions against India’s ‘Smiling Buddha’ nuclear test led to non-availability of raw materials.
- Denial of NSG membership also hindered the process.
- Technological Challenges:
- Fuel Change: Sanctions following India’s nuclear test led to a switch from enriched uranium to mixed carbide fuel. This impacted power output and operating conditions, requiring adjustments and additional testing.
- Technical Difficulties: Liquid sodium, the reactor’s coolant, is highly reactive and demands meticulous handling due to concerns over leaks, blockages, and temperature control.
- Project Management Issues:
- Loss of Expertise: Many experienced personnel involved with the earlier Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) had retired by the time PFBR received approval, creating a knowledge gap.
- Fund Deficits: Cost overruns and the need for additional funding and project extensions contributed to delays.
- Procurement Delays: An audit revealed that excessive reliance on the Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) for component procurement by BHAVINI, the project owner, led to significant delays.
Challenges in Stage II implementation
The Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) faces several challenges beyond just delays. These can be categorized into:
- Operational Concerns:
- Inherent Complexity: Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs) like the PFBR are inherently more complex to operate compared to conventional reactors due to their advanced fuel cycle and higher operating temperatures. This complexity raises concerns about potential safety risks.
- Regulatory Scrutiny: The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), responsible for nuclear safety oversight in India, has faced criticism for lacking complete independence. This has led to calls for an independent statutory regulator to ensure robust and unbiased safety oversight.
- Public Perception: The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) responsible for the PFBR project has faced public skepticism and concerns regarding its handling of potential safety risks associated with nuclear technology.
- Radioactive Waste Management:
- Thorium Fuel Cycle: the process generates radioactive byproducts, including caesium-137, actinium-227, radium isotopes, and thorium-230, require special handling and long-term storage due to their radioactivity.
- This adds to the complexity of waste management associated with the PFBR.
- Fukushima Daiichi disaster 2011 shows nuclear energy management can be troublesome.
Small Modular Reactor as gamechanger
Small Modular Reactors are advanced nuclear reactors with power capacity of up to 300 MW(e) [Megawatt electric] per unit.
Advantages over traditional reactors
- Prefabricated units of SMRs can be manufactured and then shipped and installed on site.
- SMRs can be sited on locations not suitable for larger nuclear power plants.
- Low cost and construction time
- Simpler and Safer due to reduced fuel requirements.
- They can be deployed incrementally to match increasing energy demand.
- Have increased safety and lower impacts in case of accidents
Conclusion
The core-loading of the PFBR represents a pivotal moment in India’s quest for energy security and self-reliance. As India strives to expand its nuclear energy capacity, it must address the complex challenges inherent in the development and operation of fast breeder reactors. By navigating these challenges effectively, India can harness the full potential of nuclear energy to meet its growing energy needs while mitigating environmental concerns and ensuring the safety and security of its nuclear infrastructure.
Related Topics
The Nuclear Suppliers Group
The Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) is a multilateral export control regime formed in 1975. It aims to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons by controlling the export of materials, equipment, and technology that can be used to manufacture them.
Membership
- Currently, the NSG has 48 member states, including major nuclear suppliers like the United States, Russia, France, and China.
- India is not a member of the NSG.
Activities
- The NSG maintains two sets of Guidelines for its members:
- Part 1: Covers nuclear material and equipment.
- Part 2: Covers dual-use materials and equipment that have civilian and military applications.
- Members are expected to implement these guidelines in their national export control regimes.
- The NSG also conducts regular meetings to discuss and update the guidelines, share information about proliferation risks, and promote cooperation among member states.
References
Practice Question
Evaluate the challenges and opportunities associated with the implementation of stage II of India’s three-stage nuclear power strategy. [250 words]
How to approach this question?
Introduction:
- Begin by briefly explaining what the three-stage nuclear power strategy is and its significance for India.
- Introduce the focus of the question, which is the second stage of this strategy.
Body:
- Understanding Stage II: Start by describing the key features and objectives of the second stage of India’s nuclear power strategy.
- Opportunities: Discuss the potential benefits and opportunities that the implementation of this stage could bring. This could include aspects like energy security, technological advancements, economic growth, etc.
- Challenges: Critically evaluate the challenges and hurdles in the implementation of this stage. These could range from technical and financial challenges to environmental and regulatory issues.
- Case Studies/Examples: If possible, provide real-world examples or case studies to substantiate your points.
Conclusion:
- Summarize the key points discussed in the body of the answer.
- Conclude by providing a balanced view on the implementation of stage II of India’s nuclear power strategy, considering both the opportunities and challenges.
Remember to provide a balanced answer, incorporating relevant facts and figures, and propose feasible solutions. Structure your answer well, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Also, ensure that your answer is within the word limit specified for the exam. Good luck!