NUCLEAR ENERGY (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – SCI & TECH)
Context: Recently, India and France have been actively discussing the option of nuclear power as a tempting path towards achieving carbon neutrality, despite the pressing concerns of potential meltdowns and the challenges associated with waste disposal.
Nuclear Energy
- About: It is the energy stored in the nucleus of an atom. It can be used to produce electricity. But, before it can used, it must be released.
- Global: Nuclear energy accounts for approximately 10% of global electricity production, generated by around 440 power reactors.
- Nuclear energy stands as the second-largest contributor to low-carbon power worldwide, comprising 26% of the total in 2020.
- In India: Nuclear power ranks as the fourth-largest electricity source, following thermal, hydroelectric, and renewable energy sources.
o Roughly 2.5% of India's total energy needs are satisfied by nuclear energy.
o India currently operates 22 nuclear reactors situated within 7 nuclear power plants, boasting an aggregate installed capacity of 6780 MW.
o Nuclear energy can help India meet the INDC target under the Paris Climate Treaty.
Nuclear Fusion: In fusion, nuclei of two lighter elements are made to fuse together to form the nucleus of a heavier atom.
- Best Example: It is the same nuclear process that powers the Sun and other stars.
Nuclear Fission: It occurs when a neutron slams into a larger atom, forcing it to excite and split into two smaller atoms, known as fission products. Additional neutrons are also released that can initiate a chain reaction.
- Result: When each atom splits, a tremendous amount of energy is released.
- Best Example: Nuclear power reactors where uranium and plutonium are most commonly used because they are easy to initiate and control.
