Bhubaneswar: Emphasising the critical role of nuclear energy in India’s future, senior scientist Dr Neelam Goyal from the Department of Atomic Energy highlighted the need to accelerate the country’s civil nuclear programme to ensure long-term energy security.
Speaking on the sidelines of an event in Surat, Dr Goyal said India’s economy—anchored in agriculture, industry, and services—depends fundamentally on reliable electricity. Currently, nearly 70% of the country’s power generation comes from coal, a significant portion of which is imported, leading to substantial financial outflows.
Push for Self-Reliance in Energy
She stressed that India must tap into its domestic energy resources to reduce dependence on imports. Highlighting the country’s unique advantage, she noted that India holds nearly 85% of the world’s thorium reserves, which could potentially generate electricity for hundreds of years.
“If fully utilised, thorium-based energy could significantly increase per capita electricity availability and support long-term growth,” she said.
Three-Stage Nuclear Programme
India’s nuclear strategy—moving from uranium-based reactors to advanced systems—was also underscored. The country currently operates 23 reactors using uranium sourced from countries such as Australia and Mongolia.
The next phase involves fast breeder reactors, which use plutonium derived from spent fuel. When combined with thorium, this process can produce uranium-233, a highly efficient fissile material.
This aligns with India’s broader three-stage nuclear programme, which aims to transition toward sustainable, thorium-based energy systems.
Challenges and Public Perception
Dr Goyal pointed out that despite its potential, nuclear energy continues to face resistance due to public fears and misconceptions, particularly after incidents like the Fukushima nuclear disaster.
She noted that such concerns often delay nuclear projects by a decade or more, impacting the pace of development.
Awareness and Outreach
Since 2011, Dr Goyal has been actively involved in outreach efforts across states including Haryana, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat to promote awareness about nuclear energy and address public concerns.
Future Outlook
Experts believe that with advancements in fast breeder technology and thorium utilisation, India could achieve long-term energy independence, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and significantly expand clean electricity generation.
-OdishaAge
