Context & The Gist
The article appears in the context of the recently released draft National Electricity Policy and the passage of the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Act. It highlights India’s ambitious plan to increase nuclear power capacity to 100 GW by 2047, aligning with its climate commitments and developmental needs. The core argument centers on the necessity of significant investment in Research and Development (R&D) to overcome challenges related to domestic uranium resources and unlock the potential of thorium as a viable alternative nuclear fuel.
Essentially, while India aims for a substantial increase in nuclear energy, achieving this goal requires overcoming technological hurdles and securing fuel sources, particularly through focused R&D on thorium utilization.
Key Arguments & Nuances
- Decarbonization & Energy Security: Nuclear energy is presented as a crucial component of India’s strategy to reduce emissions intensity and ensure a stable energy supply, especially given the intermittent nature of renewable sources.
- SHANTI Act & Policy Support: The SHANTI Act and the draft electricity policy are enabling frameworks designed to attract investment and facilitate the expansion of the nuclear sector, including the adoption of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
- Uranium Dependence: India’s reliance on uranium imports from countries like Russia, Kazakhstan, and Canada poses a strategic vulnerability.
- Thorium Potential: The article emphasizes the largely untapped potential of India’s vast thorium reserves as a long-term solution to fuel security, but acknowledges the R&D challenges associated with its extraction and utilization.
- SMR Advantages: Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are highlighted for their advantages – smaller footprint, easier assembly, enhanced safety, and potential for on-site installation near demand centers.
UPSC Syllabus Relevance
- GS Paper II: Governance – Government policies and interventions in the energy sector, including the SHANTI Act and the National Electricity Policy.
- GS Paper III: Economy – Energy security, infrastructure development, and the role of nuclear energy in India’s energy mix.
- GS Paper III: Science & Technology – Nuclear energy technologies, including SMRs and thorium-based reactors, and advancements in R&D.
Prelims Data Bank
- SHANTI Act (Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India): Passed by Parliament in December 2025, it aims to expand nuclear capacity and attract private investment.
- National Electricity Policy: Draft policy aiming to align the power sector with India’s long-term energy goals, including a 45% reduction in emissions intensity by 2030 (compared to 2005 levels).
- SMRs (Small Modular Reactors): Advanced nuclear reactors with advantages like smaller size, easier assembly, and enhanced safety features.
- Thorium: A potential alternative nuclear fuel abundant in India, but requiring significant R&D for extraction and utilization.
- International Energy Agency (IEA): States that after hydropower, nuclear energy is the world’s second-largest source of low-carbon power.
Mains Critical Analysis
The expansion of nuclear power in India presents a complex interplay of opportunities and challenges. A PESTLE analysis can help dissect these:
Political
The SHANTI Act demonstrates strong political will to expand nuclear capacity. However, public perception and potential opposition from environmental groups remain a factor. International collaborations and geopolitical considerations (e.g., reliance on uranium imports) also play a crucial role.
Economic
The initial investment costs for nuclear power plants are high, requiring substantial public and private funding. The development of a domestic nuclear supply chain, including SMR manufacturing, can boost economic growth. Thorium utilization, if successful, could reduce fuel costs and enhance energy independence.
Social
Public safety concerns and waste disposal issues are significant social challenges. Building public trust through transparent communication and robust safety regulations is essential. The creation of skilled jobs in the nuclear sector can have positive social impacts.
Technological
The biggest challenge lies in R&D – extracting and utilizing thorium efficiently, developing advanced reactor technologies (like SMRs), and ensuring the safe disposal of nuclear waste. Collaboration with international partners is crucial for technology transfer and innovation.
Legal
The SHANTI Act and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (CLNDA) provide the legal framework for the nuclear sector. Streamlining regulatory processes and ensuring clear liability norms are essential for attracting investment.
Environmental
Nuclear power offers a low-carbon alternative to fossil fuels, contributing to climate change mitigation. However, concerns about nuclear waste disposal and the potential for accidents need to be addressed through stringent environmental safeguards.
Value Addition
- Atomic Energy Commission (AEC): The primary body responsible for formulating and implementing India’s nuclear policy.
- National Critical Mineral Mission: Launched to explore and secure critical minerals, including those used in nuclear energy.
- MC Mehta v. Union of India (1996): Landmark SC case related to environmental protection and the precautionary principle, relevant to nuclear safety concerns.
Context & Linkages
The opening up of its nuclear value chain will aid India’s efforts to achieve energy security
This past article details the SHANTI Bill and its provisions for attracting FDI and streamlining the nuclear sector. It provides crucial context for understanding the current policy push for nuclear expansion, including the removal of liability clauses that previously hindered foreign investment. The current article builds upon this by focusing on the R&D challenges necessary to realize the full potential of the SHANTI Act.
Stepping stone: On nuclear policy, the SHANTI Bill
This article provides a detailed analysis of the SHANTI Bill, highlighting its key provisions and potential implications. It underscores the government's ambitious target of 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047 and the need for significant capital mobilization. The current article complements this by focusing on the technological and resource-related challenges that must be addressed to achieve this target.
Magnetic moment: On India and rare earth elements
This article discusses India’s focus on rare earth elements, which are crucial for various technologies, including those used in nuclear energy. It highlights the link between monazite-bearing beach sands and India’s nuclear program, emphasizing the need for stringent governance and waste management. This context is relevant to the current article’s discussion of thorium utilization, as thorium is also extracted from monazite.
The Way Forward
- Increased R&D Funding: Significantly increase investment in R&D focused on thorium extraction, reactor technology, and waste management.
- International Collaboration: Foster partnerships with countries possessing advanced nuclear technologies and expertise.
- Streamlined Regulatory Processes: Simplify and expedite regulatory approvals for nuclear projects while maintaining stringent safety standards.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Launch public awareness campaigns to address safety concerns and build public trust in nuclear energy.
- Thorium Reactor Development: Prioritize the development and deployment of thorium-based reactors as a long-term solution to fuel security.
- Strategic Uranium Sourcing: Diversify uranium import sources and explore long-term supply agreements.