Topic: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
6. Due to our high dependence on fossil fuels, it is high time for India to relook into its energy policies and shift greater focus towards nuclear energy. Analyse the potential as well as challenges of mainstreaming nuclear energy as a source of power. (150 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate.
Reference: Live Mint
Why the question:
The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) has published a report with inputs from the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) India. Titled, 100% Renewable Energy by 2050, the report examines the possibilities of a near-100 percent renewable energy scenario for India by the middle of the century.
Key Demand of the question:
To discuss the various dimensions of Nuclear energy as a source of energy support in a regular manner.
Directive word:
Analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by mentioning the India’s Ambitious Nuclear Power Plan.
Body:
First, mention about the huge potential for growth, emission-free nature and consistent nature of nuclear energy production in contrast with wind and solar energy.
Next, evaluate the various factors for a running nuclear power plant such as land requirement, man power, financing, fuel enrichment and manufacturing needs etc.
Next, highlight the delays in rolling out the second stage of the nuclear fuel program. Technological problems arising in the process of commissioning the Pressurized Fast Breeder Reactor and the associated time and cost overruns.
Conclusion:
Conclude by stating that given the rising energy demand in the country, and India’s huge dependency on import of oil and gas, but also critical raw materials for the production of solar panels, indigenously developed nuclear power plants remain an important pillar of India’s energy independence.
