UPSC Mains Daily Questions » Daily Answer Writing Challenge-8th August

Daily Answer Writing Challenge-8th August

Q1. The use of nuclear energy has recently become unpopular on a global scale. Discuss the  reasons that are preventing the use of nuclear energy in this context. Bring up the positive  externalities of nuclear energy use as well. (250 Words, 15 Marks) 

Answer: 

Nuclear power, according to Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, is a gateway to a prosperous future. Around  10% of the electricity in the World comes from nuclear. However, according to the World Nuclear  Association, nuclear electricity generation in 2017 was at its lowest level since 1999. Germany has  also decided to close all of its nuclear power plants by 2022. 

The reason preventing the use of nuclear energy: 

  • The Cost: Nuclear power plant construction is prohibitively expensive. As a result, energy  production is no longer viable. 
  • Safety: Nuclear reactors are dangerous, as evidenced by the disasters at Chernobyl and  Fukushima. The cost of cleaning up Fukushima was estimated to be in the $200 billion range.
  • Waste Disposal: Furthermore, there are inherent issues with nuclear waste disposal.
  • Renewable Energy: Nuclear energy is also facing challenges as the cost of producing renewable  energy such as solar and wind energy has decreased. 
  • Civil Liability: The problem has been exacerbated by the ambiguity surrounding the provisions  of the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act of 2010. 
  • Uranium Availability: Finally, non-membership in the NSG, land acquisition issues and regulatory  hurdles are all major impediments to widespread nuclear energy adoption.
  • Scepticism: Scepticism from People and civil society organisations hampering prospects. 

Benefits in relation to nuclear energy: 

  • Nuclear energy has the potential to end India’s perpetual energy poverty. Approximately 9 crore  households do not have access to electricity. 
  • Nuclear energy can also assist India in meeting its INDC target under the Paris Climate  Agreement. 
  • It can mitigate the impact of currency losses, volatile fossil fuel prices, and the resulting  impact on economic growth. 
  • Furthermore, in its pursuit of nuclear energy, India has mastered a number of strategic  technologies.
  • india has the world’s largest uranium reserve, resolving the issue of nuclear fuel import  dependency. 

Nuclear energy has promising benefits for India and the rest of the world. However, the underlying  issues like pre-project issues and safety concerns must be addressed holistically. Emphasis  needs to be given to renewable targets as envisaged in ‘Panchamrit’ to achieve Green Growth for  India.