Topic: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.
4. The nuclear power sector has the slowest growth rate amongst fuels despite ambitious targets, strong protection, and generous budgetary allocations due to the risks associated with it. Examine. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 3 and mentioned as part of Mission-2022 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the limiting factors in the growth of nuclear energy.
Directive word:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context regarding the development of nuclear energy in India.
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 with way forward.
