Context:

• India aims to become a developed (Viksit) nation by 2047 and achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2070.
• This dual goal demands a massive rise in per capita energy consumption through clean energy, with a projected need of 28,000 TWh annually.
• Among clean sources, nuclear energy must contribute nearly 20,000 TWh, highlighting the critical role of nuclear power in ensuring energy security, sustainability, and human development.

The Energy Imperative for Viksit Bharat:

• Aspirational targets:
  • Net Zero by 2070 with significant economic growth and high Human Development Index (HDI) of 0.95.
  • Estimated clean energy need: 28,000 TWh annually.
• Present energy status:
  • Current energy consumption: 9,800 TWh (96% from fossil fuels).
  • Clean energy needs to increase 70 times and around 70% of it needs to come from nuclear in 45 years.

Revisiting India's Three-Stage Nuclear Programme:

• Historical vision: Homi Bhabha had advocated a three-stage nuclear power programme aimed at long term energy security and autonomy for the country.
• Current challenges:
  • First-stage (pressurised heavy water reactors [PHWRs]) grown due to foreign uranium.
  • Second-stage (Fast Breeder Reactors) yet to take off.
  • The third-stage (Thorium-based molten salt reactors [MSRs]) remains underdeveloped.
    • Thorium-based Molten Salt Reactors are a type of nuclear reactor that utilizes thorium as fuel and molten salts as a coolant.  

Strengthening Domestic Nuclear Capabilities:

• PHWRs - India’s primary workhorse:
  • PHWRs [supplemented by proven large light water reactors (LWRs)] are a proven, indigenous technology that meets global benchmarks.
  • It forms the foundation for scalable, domestically-driven nuclear capacity expansion under the 100 GWe mission (by 2047).
  • However, there is the need to bring in multiple deployment agencies, beyond NPCIL and now NTPC.
• Fast Breeder and Thorium utilisation:
  • FBRs enable 60-70 times more energy from the same quantity of mined fuel.
  • Thorium can be irradiated in PHWRs to advance the third stage. MSRs can recycle thorium-based spent fuel.

Fuel Supply and Energy Security:

• Uranium dependency:
  • 100 GWe capacity needs about 20,000 tons of uranium/year, which is approximately 15% of global production.
  • Given the potential for geopolitical disruptions in uranium imports, there is the need for domestic uranium development and fuel recycling.
• Role of HALEU and ANEEL fuel:
  • High Assay Low Enriched Uranium (HALEU) needed for PHWR thorium use.
  • ANEEL fuel under development with economic and safety advantages.
    • ANEEL (Advanced Nuclear Energy for Enriched Life) fuel is a thorium-uranium mixture developed by Clean Core Thorium Energy. 

Strategic Technology Directions:

• Beyond Small Modular Reactors (SMRs):
  • SMRs, which would take at least two decades to mature before deployment, are unlikely to meet 2047 deadlines.
  • Redirect R&D to thorium MSR-based SMRs and fast reactors.
• International collaboration:
  • HALEU and advanced reactor fuel cooperation can benefit India and developing nations.
  • Thorium-based tech offers economic, environmental, and strategic benefits.

Way Forward:

• The 100 GWe mission should be seen as a stepping stone, not a limit.
• Accelerated, multi-agency nuclear deployment is vital.
• Strong focus needed on R&D in thorium and fast reactor technologies.
• Nuclear energy is not optional, but central to India's net zero and development goals.

Conclusion:

• By strategically accelerating its indigenous nuclear programme - anchored in PHWRs, fast breeder reactors, and thorium-based technologies - India can not only meet its clean energy targets but also emerge as a global leader in sustainable nuclear innovation.
• A "Viksit Bharat" by 2047 powered by secure, scalable, and self-reliant nuclear energy will be a testament to visionary planning and technological sovereignty.