The draw of space and nuclear technologies

Context: No one can predict whether the space adventure of Mr Bezos or the nuclear venture of Mr Gates will benefit the U.S. and the wider world. But there are significant risks that need to be addressed.

Prospects of nuclear power – Nuclear renaissance

• Immense potential to meet development needs: By satisfying energy demands in many power-hungry parts of the world.
• To mitigate the threat of climate change: With global warming becoming ever more apparent, nuclear power is regaining a place in global debates.
• Countries such as Japan and Germany reopened their reactors to produce energy.
• Commercialisation: Bill Gates has launched his own nuclear reactor (company named TerraPower) with an eye on the possibility of exporting fast breeder reactors.
• Small, factory­built, modular reactors will be cheaper and safer and will be attractive to foreign buyers.

Risks and concerns associated with nuclear energy future

• Nuclear safety: As per International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) article, post-2011 Fukushima disaster global community has turned to strengthen nuclear safety and has opted to phase out nuclear power.
  • Lack of sustainable nuclear policy and financing framework: That recognise its contributions to climate change mitigation and sustainable development.
  • In India, the expected installation of imported reactors did not materialise because of our liability law and anti-nuclear protests in proposed locations.
• Risk of nuclear proliferation
  • The fast breeder reactor of Bill Gates can “breed” excess plutonium, which can be used for developing a bomb.
  • Risks of commercialisation: Availability of plutonium and enriched uranium through commercial channels would be fraught with inherent dangers.
• Concerns around policies of India and China:
  • India’s fast breeder reactor, which is not subject to international inspections, is seen as capable of feeding the nuclear weapons capability of India.
  • Recent reports that China is building two more fast reactors have immediately provoked international concerns about China’s possible weapons plutonium production.