LV Krishnan

India's growing economy requires an adequate supply of energy. As per several estimates, India’s installed electric power generation would have to increase to 650,000 - 950,000 MW by 2030 to sustain economic growth of 8% - 9%. India can thus ill afford to disregard any energy source and nuclear energy is an important source of long‐term energy security.

Fast Breeder Reactors (FBR) are expected to play a major role in India’s power program and help utilise the country’s large thorium (Th) reserves It is important to examine in detail all issues including economics, safety, and security In this study, we have evaluated the economics of electricity from FBRs We propose to examine safety and security aspects in a future work This report also compares the cost of electricity from PFBR with other sources including PHWRs

Nuclear power is vital for India, and the government needs to be
more transparent in presenting the attendant risks, while
explaining that Kudankulam’s safety features are superior to those
of Fukushima.

Nuclear power is a crucial source of clean energy for India. In the near-term, India is focusing on thermal reactors using natural and enriched uranium. In the long-term, India is exploring various options to use its large thorium reserves. India’s present nuclear installed capacity is 5680 MW, which contributes to about 3.4% of the annual electricity generation. However, nuclear power is an important source of energy in India’s aspirations for energy security and also in achieving its Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDC), of 40% fossil free electricity, by 2030.