Icacer 2016 paper_13

Nuclear Energy: Feasibility and Challenges 1
Nuclear Energy:
Feasibility and Challenges
Mudit Kansal1
, Riddhima Kartik2
, Rajat Chaudhary3
ManojKansal (Corresponding author)
1
School of Petroleum Management, PanditDeendayal Petroleum University, Gandhinagar, India
2
School of Petroleum Management, PanditDeendayal Petroleum University, Gandhinagar, India
3
Institute of Management and Technology, Navi Mumbai, India
Nuclear Power Corporation of India
Sponsored by:
School of Petroleum Management,
Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India

Table of Contents
Abstract............................................................................................................................... 4
1. Nuclear Energy: Feasibility and Challenges.............................................................. 5
2. History......................................................................................................................... 6
3. Uses............................................................................................................................. 7
a. Agriculture:......................................................................................................... 8
b. Insect Control:..................................................................................................... 8
c. Food Preservation: .............................................................................................. 8
d. Water Resources:................................................................................................. 9
e. Medicine: ............................................................................................................ 9
f. Industry: ............................................................................................................ 10
4. Nuclear Technology Components............................................................................. 10
a. Fuel: .................................................................................................................. 10
b. Moderator:......................................................................................................... 10
c. Control rods: ......................................................................................................11
d. Coolant:..............................................................................................................11
e. Pressure vessel: ..................................................................................................11
f. Steam generator: ................................................................................................11
g. Containment:......................................................................................................11
5. Nuclear Power Generation Methods......................................................................... 13

6. Financial Implications............................................................................................... 16
7. Environmental Implication ....................................................................................... 18
a. Gas emissions and impact of accidents............................................................. 18
b. Life Cycle.......................................................................................................... 18
8. Nuclear along with Renewables................................................................................ 20
9. Current Scenario of Nuclear technology in India ..................................................... 21
10. Scope of Nuclear Power........................................................................................ 23
11. Suggestions and Conclusion ................................................................................. 25
References......................................................................................................................... 25
Journals ............................................................................................................................. 26
Web References................................................................................................................. 26

Abstract
The usage of nuclear technology for power generation has been in dilemma in current
scenario. Although nuclear technology helps to keep a check on the emission of greenhouse
gases but the safety issues associated with the extraction and usage of Uranium as a fuel, high
cost associated due to the complexity of disposal of radioactive waste and amount of radiations
being emitted during accidents are some of the critical issues which restrict the contribution of
nuclear power to a small percentage value of around 10 percent worldwide and less than 3
percent in India. But with time the technological innovations are taking place in the development
of components of reactor along with the techniques to improve the electrical and chemical
parameters by implementing the latest operational techniques. Fast Breeder technology has been
identified as one of the latest nuclear technology which addresses the above mentioned issues to
a great extent. The tendency of different countries over the adoption of latest technology of
nuclear power generation considering the financial and environmental implications has been
focused. Growth of nuclear power along with the improvement in critical values has been shown
with respect to India. The compatibility of nuclear technology with respect to renewable sources
of energy financially and technologically has been shown. Details of technological development
which are still under research like the evolution of latest generation reactors along with the
technology collaborating Fusion and Fission has been shown and their potential to compete the
usage of renewable source of energy. Finally, the suggestions have been made for the
collaboration of some existing sources of energy like that of Nuclear and Solar energy which can
be a model of increased acceptance of nuclear energy power generation.
Keywords: Complexity of disposal of radioactive waste, electrical and chemical parameters,
Fast Breeder technology, latest generation reactors, Nuclear and Solar energy.

1. Nuclear Energy:
Feasibility and Challenges
Energy plays an essential part in any country's improvement and securing energy is one
of the most essential difficulty confronting any advancement plans, securing energy demands for
next generations is a standout amongst the most viewpoints confronting any sustained
development plans, because of the developing electric power request and demand.
World energy consumption rate has now been a matter of concern in this era as the
resources required for generation of power are depleting at a high unknown rate. As per the
prediction by United Nations Statistics Divisionon the growth of global population, it will be
approximately 9 billion people in 2050.With the increase in population demand for energy must
increase significantly over that period, as mentioned in the annual world energy outlook 2013
from OECD’s International Energy Agency (IEA), the world primary energy demand grew by
26% (about 19,004 TWh) from 2000 to 2011 and projected growth of 45%(about 34,453 TWh)
till 2035 under the current policies with about double energy growth in both the cases. Also it has
been observed that coal and oil had been the major resources utilized to generate power followed
by Natural Gas and finally Nuclear and other renewable sources of energy. As the fossil fuels
such as coal, oil and so on are turning out to be rare the issue will soon turn out to be more
serious after some time, particularly for nations which are exceedingly subject to non-renewable
vitality assets. Additionally, it has been watched that around 34.6 billion tons CO2
emanation has
occurred all-inclusive in 2012. The CO2
discharge has been expanding throughout the years
because of unreasonable use of fossils and this over the top CO2
emanation has brought about
making the issue of an Earth-wide temperature boost leading to global warming.
Nuclear Energy has been distinguished as one of the major source of energy which can
possibly create adequate energy alongside generally low carbon emanations. Because of these
reasons headway and advancement in technological innovation of power generation through
nuclear reactors is being done at various research institutions.
Nuclear power generation utilize nuclear reactions, different mediator material, coolants
and different kind of reactor. The current innovations used for most part for power generation are
boiling water reactor, pressurized water reactors and pressurized heavy water reactor.
Recentinnovation called Fast breeder technology has been created using naturally occurring

uranium isotopes that harness the greater part of the energy contained in uranium or thorium
decreasing fuel consumption by 99% as compared to earlier reactor technologies. Uranium
which is a noteworthy fuel for nuclear power generation is accessible only 1 percent furthermore
includes four complex procedures before being utilized for power generation. So to build the
proficiency and to make it economically practical for power generation, breeder technology is
created. To make nuclear energy production more aggressive and competitive in contrast with
other customary advances modification are made in breeder technology with some modern
innovation such as Generation IV and Generation V+ reactors which likewise considered to
make the nuclear power generation more protected and safe as for pre and post era risks like
radiations being discharged.
In this paper we will discuss how fast breeder technology along with Generation IV and
Generation V+ reactors have provided scope for further advancement of nuclear technology in
terms of power generation efficiency along with optimum usage of nuclear fuel and in terms of
safety level of operation of nuclear power plants. Also we will try to discuss and suggest what
modifications in technology needs to be carried out to make nuclear technology more
competitive and acceptable by people of India. Finally, we will try to discuss how Fusion
Reaction which is still under research has the potential to give a new shape to nuclear power
generation technology economically and technologically.
2. History
Nuclear energy is recent than most different types of energies produces that we
utilize.The concept of neutron was started in 1932. Later with Hungarian scientist LeóSzilárd, in
1933 the concept of nuclear chain reaction was founded.Not until the early 1930's scientists were
not able to find anything on the chain reaction theory, then the researchers found out that atom is
made up of proton and neutron particles. A long time later in 1938, two German researchers,
Otto Hahn and Fritz Strassman and physicist Lise Meitner of Austria, found that they could part
the core of a uranium molecule by bombarding it with neutrons, this process was named as
fission. As the uranium core split, some of its mass was changed over to heat energy.
In 1942, Enrico Fermi of Italy, and a gathering of different physicists then saw the fission
of one uranium atom emitted more neutrons which could thus split other uranium atoms,
beginning a chain response. They soon understood that through atomic splitting process of

nuclear fission tremendous amount of energy could be harnessed. Otto Hahn also won the Nobel
Prize for his discovery of atomic splitting and Enrico Fermi also get a Nobel Prize for making
the world's first nuclear chain reaction.
In the year 1940's the first nuclear fission was created prior to World War II which
encouraged more research on nuclear energy. In late 1942 the first artificial atomic reactor
named as Chicago pile-1 was constructed in the premises of the University of Chicago, by a
group headed by Enrico Fermi. In the later year’s numerous new reactors were worked by US yet
they were generally worked to get the large scale manufacturing of plutonium for atomic
weapons. Later the first nuclear power plant was authorized for regular citizens was worked by
Soviet Union in 1954 which was named as AM-1 Obninsk Nuclear Power Plant and it delivered
around 5MW electrical. After this first commercial atomic power plant was sanctioned by Britain
in 1956 and it was of 50MW at first and with time its energy rating was expanded to 200MW.
Not until 1953 was the primary usable power from nuclear fission delivered at the National
Reactor Station now called the Idaho National Building Lab. At that point in 1955, the
principally first U.S. town to be provided with nuclear energy was in Arco, Idaho. In today’s
time nuclear energy only represents just 20% of the power created in the United States.
According to 2013 report of IAEA, there are now 437 fully functioning civil fission-
electric reactors in 31 countries thought the globe and as per the latest 2015 report of IAEA,
worldwide there are 67 civil fission-electric power reactors being built in 15 different countries
including Gulfcountries such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Around 15 percent of energy
throughout globe is generated by nuclear powered plants. The United States has more than 100
reactors, still through fossil fills and hydroelectric energy it generates its vast majority of its
electricity. More than 430 nuclear power plants (NPPs) are functioning and are present all over
the inhabited. Countries, for example Lithuania, France, and Slovakia generates almost all of
their power from nuclear power plants.
3. Uses
The first nuclear power plant for generating electricity from the heat of splitting of
uranium was constructedin 1950's.With further advancement in nuclear innovation the potential
for new and different usage was found in radioisotopes and radiation. Radioisotopes are
specifically unstable isotopes that change their core nucleus after some time from milliseconds to

centuries and thus they discharge charged particles or waves, making them radioactive. Because
of their radioactive nature. They have utilization in farming, pest control, Food conservation,
water assets, medicationand industry. Considering each of the uses independently:
a. Agriculture:
In agriculture sector, usage of expensive fertilizers which sometimes cause damage to the
environment by leaving poisonous chemical residue behind. Hence it becomes important to find
fertilizer and different way that minimize the loss of plants and environment both.Nowadays
fertilizers which are 'labelled' with a particular isotope are in the market and are being used in
developing and developed countries, allowing better ways for usage and applications of
fertilizers. Thus due to usage of these isotopes we are able to estimate optimum amount of
fertilizer required for that particular soil and crop.
b. Insect Control:
The damage of food crops due to attack by insects has been more than 10% of the total
harvest worldwide and of the range 25-35% in developing countries.Chemical insecticides have
been used to hinder insect attack but over a period of time insects have been found to be resistant
to the chemicals used or the leave poisonous chemical residue on the crop.
The Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) was discovered in which involves destroying the eggs
of insects with the help of gamma radiation before hatching and thus sterilizing them also. This
technique helps to reduce the production of offspring of insects drastically and 95% success rate
has been achieved in two fruit-growing areas of Argentina.
c. Food Preservation:
Over the years it is measured that over 25-30% of the food crop harvested in many
countries is destroyed as a result of spoilage by microbes and pests. These microbes and insects
are also responsible for food related diseases like trichinosis and cholera. To get rid of this
problem Food irradiation method has been developed in which gamma radiation kills bacteria,
insects and other harmful organisms affecting the crops without causing loss or any side effect of
nutritional value of food products. The following table shows the amount of dosage of gamma
rays generally given according to possibility of attack of microorganisms on food products:

1. Low dose (up to 1 kG) Inhibition of sprouting Potatoes, onions, garlic,
ginger, yam
Insect and parasite
disinfestation
Cereals, fresh fruit, dried
foods
2. Medium dose (1-10 kG) Extend shelf life Fish, strawberries,
mushrooms
Halt spoilage, kill pathogens Seafood, poultry, meat
3.High dose (10-50 G) Industrial sterilization Meat, poultry, seafood,
prepared foods
Decontamination Spices, etc.
Table 1:Food irradiation applications
(Source: http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/non-power-nuclea
applications/overview/the-many-uses-of-nuclear-technology/ )
d. Water Resources:
With the help of Isotope hydrology techniques, we canestimate of amount of
underground water available, the age, distribution and origin can also be known. It has different
purposes and is vital for industry, agriculture and human settlements. To get these estimates
isotope hydrology techniques is used which enables the accurate tracing and amount of extent of
underground water resources. By the results obtained from these technique countries are able to
do sustainable planning and management of water resources.
e. Medicine:
Nuclear medicines allow doctors to diagnose the proper functioning of certain organs by
taking detailed and accurate pictures. Radiotherapy is one of those unique technique which let
detection ofCancer before 6 to 18 months ago and destroy particular targeted cells.The most
common radioisotope that is being used in diagnosis is radioactive technetium-99.

f. Industry:
Nuclear technology has been used for various important industrial purposes.
Radioisotopes have been used to detect pollutants present in air which are generally in very small
quantity which get dispose without any residue. As the radioactivity in any space can be
measured in minute amounts due to this radioisotope can also be used as very effectivetracers.
The above usages are basically the derived usages of nuclear power but in current
scenario Nuclear power is also being used widely for electrical power generation widely along
with construction of nuclear weapons which is still a matter of concern.
4. Nuclear Technology Components
Nuclear technology is currently being used widely for electrical power generation and
electrical power extraction from nuclear energy through many components and some more are
added with time to increase efficiency of nuclear power plants. The components which are used
in nuclear power plants are:
a. Fuel:
Uranium is the basic fuel which is being used. Usually pellets of uranium oxide (UO2)
are accumulated in tubes to convert it into fuel rods.The rods are input into fuel assemblies at the
reactor core.Generally, to start a new reactor with new fuel a requirement of neutron source is
there to maintain the smooth flow of reaction. Usually the process followed in this case is the
mixing of berylliumwith polonium, radium or other alpha-emitter. To start a reactor again with
some used fuel may not require this, as there can be enough neutrons available to obtain
criticality when control rods are removed.
b. Moderator:
Material in the core which decelerate the neutrons released from fission so as tocause
more fission. It is generally water, but may be heavy water or graphite.

c. Control rods:
These are formed by neutron-absorbing material such as cadmium, hafnium or boron,
which are inserted or withdrawn from the core to regulate the rate of reaction, or to halt it. In
some PWR reactors, special control rods make the core to maintain a low level of power
efficiently.
d. Coolant:
A fluid circulating through the core so as to dissipatethe heat from it. In light water
reactor the water serves the function of primary coolant. Except in BWRs, in the secondary
coolant circuit the water transforms into steam.
e. Pressure vessel:
Usually it’s a robust steel vessel which contains moderator/coolant and reactor core, but it
can also include series of fuel tubes and conveying the coolant through the surrounding
moderator.
f. Steam generator:
It is apart of the cooling system of pressurized water reactors (PWR & PHWR)in which
high-pressure coolant gathersheat from the reactor to generate steam from turbine, in a secondary
circuit.Reactors have up to six 'loops', each with a steam generator.
g. Containment:
The structure surrounding the reactor and associated steam generators designed to protect
them from outside intrusion and to prevent the outside surroundings from radiation effects of
radiation in the case of any critical breakdown inside. It is basically a meter-thick concrete and
steel structure.

Fig 1: Uranium pelletsFig 2: Moderator
Fig 3: Control RodsFig 4: Coolant
Fig 5: Pressure vessel

Fig 6: Steam GeneratorFig 7: Containment
(Source:http://large.stanford.edu/courses/2011/ph241/grayson1/images/f2big.gif)
5. Nuclear Power Generation Methods
Many conventional technologies are being used worldwide for electric power generation
from nuclear power. The details of conventional technologies are being shown in table below:
Reactor
Type
Main Countries Number GWe Fuel Coolant Moderator
Pressurized
water
Reactor
US, France,
Japan,Russia
277 257 Enriched
UO2
Water Water
Boiling
Water
Reactor
US,Japan, Sweden 80 75 Enriched
UO2
Water Water
Pressurized
Heavy
Water
Reactor
Canada, India 49 25 Natural
UO2
Heavy
water
Heavy water
Gas
Cooled
UK 15 8 natural U
(metal),
CO2
Graphite

Reactor enriched
UO2
Light
Water
Graphite
Reactor
Russia 15 10.2 enriched
UO2
Water Graphite
Table 2: Details of Conventional Nuclear Reactor
(Source :BARC Newsletter May, 2009 )
Fast Breeder technology is one of the latest technology that is much more useful in terms
of optimum utilization of resources. In Fast breeder technology we use liquid sodium as a
coolant that causes neutrons to remain of high energy and hence these fast neutrons are not able
to cause proper fission. Despite of improper fission neutrons are readily caught through an
isotope of uranium (U238), which changes into plutonium (Pu239), which with further
transformations can be utilized as reactor fuel. The design of reactors can be made accordingly to
produce more plutonium and in few cases reactors actually produce the fuel they consume. These
reactors are called breeder reactors. Adherents claim that by seawater uranium extraction, the
amount of fuel created for breeder’s reactor is enough for 5 billion years of energy satisfaction as
per 1983’s energy usage rate,consequently making nuclear energy effectively suitable as
compared to renewable energy.
Nuclear waste has also been a matter of concern since 1990 as this waste is radioactive and
transuranic which is threat forenvironment. Breeder reactions are effective in reducing actinide
waste, particularly plutonium and actinides. Nowadays commercial light water reactors also tend
to breed some new fissile material, mostly in the form of plutonium. Conversion ratio, breakeven,
breeding ratio, doubling time and burnup are some of the ratios that define the efficiency level of
nuclear reactor. Conversion ratio for consumption of fuel to the generation of fuel usable again
breeder reactor is more and the reactor produces as much fissile material as it uses.Burnup is that
value of energy harnessed form the given particular mass of heavy metal in fuel generally
expressed in gigawatt-days per ton.Burnup value is high for a breeder reactor as breeder reactors

produce much of their waste in the form of fission products, while most of the actinides used
infission. There can also be thermal breeder reactor but are only commercially feasible with
thorium fuel. Lead Fast breeder reactors are found to be more advantageous than Sodium fast
breeder reactors because it makes the investigated accident indicators easy to cope with. This is
possible in Lead fast breeder reactor because of their natural circulation behavior and much
higher boiling temperature of lead. Economically, the LFR is advantageous since it needs an
intermediate coolant circuit. Integral fast reactor is one of the design of fast neutron reactor
which addresses the waste disposal and plutonium issues. Many other fast breeder reactors
prototypes are being built worldwide including India.
Fig 8: Liquid Metal Fast Breeder Reactor
(Source:https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/46/LMFBR_schematics
2.svg/1280px-LMFBR_schematics2.svg.png)

Fig 9: Reaction during Fast Breeder Reactor operation
(Source:http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/nucene/imgnuk/pubreed.gif )
6. Financial Implications
The economics of Nuclear power plant mainly consist of three costs which are capital
costs, Plant operating costs and external costs.
The capital costs comprise of site restructuring,commissioning, construction,
manufacture, and financing a nuclear power plant. Capital costs are expressed in terms of
generating capacity of plant. Plant operating costs are mainly the costs of fuel, operation and
maintenance. Operating cost can be divided into two fixed cost and variable cost. To estimate
the operating cost of a plant over its whole life levelised cost at present value must be
estimated. It provides with the cost at which the electricity should begenerated if the project is to
break even (after considering the opportunity cost of capital through by applyinga discount rate).
External costs are basically the cost that has to be borne by the government during severe
accidents if they occur. Cost overrunswhich are most significant costs that occur during
installation of nuclear power plants. It has been observed that capital cost of nuclear power
projects may be 60% or more of the levelised cost of electricity. But fuel costs have been
observed to be 15% of the levelised cost of electricity. Generally, 10 to 20 years of operation is
expected by nuclear power plants under reasonable national circumstances to get back capital
and interest.

Fig 10: Capital Risks associated since 2008 for financing nuclear power plants in
different countries
(Source :http://www.psr.org/nuclear-bailout/resources/nuclear-power-plant.pdf)
Uranium Conversion Costs under certain conditions have been observed and can be seen in the
table as follows:
Uranium 8.9 kg U3O8 x $97 US$ 862 46%
Conversion 7.5 kg U x $16 US$ 120 6%
Enrichment 7.3 SWU x $82 US$ 599 32%
Fuel Fabrication Per Kg (approx.) US$ 300 16%
Total (approx.) US$ 1880
Table 3: Uranium Conversion Costs
(Source: https://www.princeton.edu/sgs/publications/sgs/.../17-2-3-Rothwell.pdf )

The above Uranium Conversion Costs come under operating cost but operating costs also
include waste disposal costs and decommissioning costs. Disposal of low level cost of nuclear
power plant was found to be £2,000/m³ in UK and 500 million $ was found to be
decommissioning cost in US in a particular year. Thus high costs associated with waste disposal
and decommissioning still possess a challenge with conventional reactors. Fast breeder reactors
can play a major role in reducing waste disposal cost by reducing waste generated during nuclear
reactions. Also increase in efficiency level due to Fast breeder reactors can reduce operating cost
by getting more output for the same input.
7. Environmental Implication
a. Gas emissions and impact of accidents
Greenhouse Gas emissions from nuclear power plant are much smaller as compared to
generation of power from coal, oil and gas. However, during accidents there is a risk of
radioactive emission due to presence of fissile materials. Fukushima 1 nuclear power plant
accident lead to hydrogen gas explosions and partial meltdowns and was classified as Level
7 event.
Disposal of spent nuclear fuel at the site is also a major challenge as in severe cases it can
affect environment greatly by increasing radiation level in the environment. According to
international survey it has been found that annual average dosage of the order of 0. 1μSv.y-1
were noted at world level during power generation from nuclear power plant. This value is found
to be one thousandth the adopted limits for nuclear power generation. Thus under normal
operation nuclear power plant causes least pollution in the environment. Uranium Mining is also
means of pollution after a few months of mining the tailing material has been observed to contain
75% of the radioactivity of the original ore. But generally these are not classified as radioactive
waste. Abandoned uranium mines remain a source of radioactive risks for as long as 250,000
years after closure. Also usage of nuclear weapons can tremendously affect flora and fauna of
that particular region and can have its impact lasting for several years.
b. Life Cycle
Disposal of nuclear waste which also includes spent fuels may take several years.
Managing high level waste also requires a strategic method.It has been recorded that a common

reactor produces around 27 tons of utilized fuel which might be decrease to 3 m per year of
vitrified waste. Containment of utilized fuel is mostly in the ponds attached with a reactor, or a
central pool for multi-reactor location.Generally, these used fuels are reprocessed and then
incorporated into cement prior to disposal as ILW. After 40 -50 years of reprocessed fuel disposal
the radioactivity have fallen to one thousandth of the level at removal. Thus it follows the time
cycle which can be visualized by the graph given below:
Fig 11: Lifecycle of decay of radioactive products
(Source: www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1179/174651007X265033)
Utilized fuel still contains parts U-235 as well as various plutonium isotopes which are
formed inside the reactor core, and the U-238c. The sum total of account for some 96% of the
original uranium and over half of the original energy content (disregarding U-238). Reprocessing
segregateUranium and Plutonium. Plutonium emerging from reprocessing is reused through a
MOX fuel fabrication plant where it blends with drained uranium oxide to create fresh fuel. This
however can't be straightly addedto MOX fuel and reused in conventional reactors. It needs a fast
neutron reactor which are few and yet far between. It alsodisposes the highly toxic waste easily.

Fig 12: Storage Pond for Used fuel in Nuclear Power Plant
(Source: www.world-nuclear.org/.../nuclear.../nuclear.../radioactive-waste-manage )
During disposal to guarantee that no critical natural emissions happen over a millions of
year's immobilizations of waste. It is completed in an insoluble matrix, for example, borosilicate
glass or engineered rock. Sometimes tightly pressed inside an erosion safe compartment, for
example, stainless steel.
Some amount of waste heat i.e. generated during cooling process and some amount of
waste liquids from reprocessing plants are sent into large water heads like seas and rivers. Small
quantities of radioactive gases like krypton-85 and xenon-133 are released into atmosphere.
However, they have short half-lives, and the radiations in the emissions is reduced by delaying
their release.
8. Nuclear along with Renewables
Nuclear technology when compared with renewable sources of energy seems less
potential to be adopted in future based on current trends of investment in both in different years.
This can be seen from the graph below:

Fig 13: Investment trends in nuclear vs. Renewable
(Source: http://www.theenergycollective.com/katherinetweed/2250134/around-
world-nuclear-cant-compete-growing-renewables )
China which leads in the world in terms of construction of new nuclear plants spent about 9
billion $ in nuclear and collectively 83 billion $ in renewables like wind and solar. Rapid ageing
of reactors has been found which makes it inferior in the current scenario of technological
development of renewable source of energy. Nuclear energy cannot be used to supply more than
base load which renewable source of energy can easily provide based on availability of resources.
However technological advancements are being made in nuclear power plant like the evolution
of Nuclear Fusion –Fission hybrid power plant.
9. Current Scenario of Nuclear technology in India
The Government of India wants to generate a one-fourth of its power from nuclear
generation by 2050. This scheme of government incorporates 20,000 MW of increased limit in
form of nuclear energy by 2020, and 63,000 MW by 2032.

There are as of now twenty-one operational nuclear energy reactors in India, in six
different states. They contribute approx. 3% the nation's total energy generation, yet radioactive
pollution at each phase of the nuclear fuel cycle: from extraction from earth crust and processing
it into usable state reprocessing or transfer. There is no long term radioactive waste transfer
arrangement in India. With new reactors under development, the fresh out of the box new 1,000-
MW power plant at Kudankulam, Tamil Nadu, began business operations on December 31, 2014,
while different undertakings are in the pipeline. Four reactors are under development, onein
RAAP (Rajasthan) and other at Kakrapar are indigenously planned 700 mw reactors. Chip away
at another pair is relied upon to begin in mid-2015 in Haryana, and six more are arranged at three
locales (see table underneath). These indigenously planned reactors seem set to be the
workhorses of Indian atomic project.
By the records measured in 2010 nuclear power generation in India is approximately
4780 Mw from the 20 fully functional nuclear plants which provide just 3 percent of the
aggregate electrical supply in the nation. APSARA and CIRIUS are the two introductory reactors
that gave way to advancement of nuclear power generation in India. India is by and large
working PHWR and BWR reactors as of now. New nuclear power plants are being sanctioned by
the government and the construction work already started in Chennai, Kakrapar and Kudankulam.
(Fig: 14 Source: LokSabha )
Additionally, in these new developing reactors some new technologically advanced
reactors are being utilized like Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor and Water-Water Energetic
Reactor. Right now 500 Mwe Model Fast breeder reactor is being dispatched in Chennai and it

will be called “Bhavini”. The large amount of plutonium of fast breeder reactor can lead to
prompt development of more such similar reactors. India has the capacity to utilize thorium cycle
based procedures to extricate nuclear fuel. This is one of the special advantage to the Indian
nuclear power generation methodology as India has one of the world's biggest reserves of
thorium.
The Water-Water Energetic Reactors are the series of Pressurized water reactor which
was innovated in Russian and imported to India. These reactors are not the same as Pressurized
water reactor in outline and design as these reactors consist of horizontal steam generators, a
Hexagonal assembly for fuel, infiltrations without any base in the vessel and pressurizers with
high capacity providing a huge reactor coolant stock. In this way more up to date establishments
are expanding productivity of nuclear power plant alongside with more secure operations. The
nuclear power production Unit 5 in Rajasthan worked for constant 739 days which enhances the
accessibility factor of plant and this reactor was Pressurized heavy water reactor manufactured
indigenously. Prior in Tarapur nuclear power reactor had worked for constant 590 days. These
information demonstrates the measure of atomic force era capacity accessible with India. Indian
nuclear power development program is completely developed and has exiled in all aspects of
nuclear power innovation.
Fig 15: Water-Water Energetic Reactor
(Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VVER)
10.Scope of Nuclear Power

Nuclearenergy still has a little percentage commitment altogether in total power
generation on the planet yet with the consistent advancement and innovation of reactors we can
enhance proficiency furthermore ready to diminish waste produced and hence making it focused
with different sources of energy. As of late hybrid nuclear power plant i.e. it is a blend of
fissionand combination is giving scope to generate large amount of energy and lead to expansion
in this competitive market. The whole idea through the usage of this technology is to tap high-
energy fast neutrons in a reactor to start a fission reaction in non –Fissile components like U-238
and Thorium -232. In this advancement and innovation every neutron can trigger several fission
reactions, increasing the energy discharged by every fission reaction to be hundred several times.
China is advancing and promoting this advanced innovationas it uses non fissionable fuel which
generally goes about as a waste.Additionally, there are numerous reactors like Generation IV and
Generation V+ reactors which are supercritical water reactors and have Gas core reactor which
are under examination and testing stage however when actualized will have the capacity to make
nuclear power generation to be improved with most with advanced security measures alongside
right around zero waste.
Fig 16 : Hybrid nuclear reactor description
(Source: http://www.scmp.com/tech/science-research/article/1840219/china-aims-get-
hybrid-fission-fusion-nuclear-reactor-and )

11.Suggestions and Conclusion
In spite of the resistance it right now confronts, nuclear power has specific components
that support the dedication of some nations to consider it as a future alternative," World energy
Outlook 2014 said. "Nuclear power generation can increase the dependability of the power
system where they harness greater power through nuclear power plants and with advancements
the efficiency of process and amount of energy harness will increase. For nations that import
energy, it essentially lessens their reliance on outside supplies and control the exposure of fuel
prices changes in global markets."
Combination of Fusion and Fission reaction provides scope for Nuclear power generation
technology to become more efficient in future years. Waste Disposal remains a serious issue but
methods are developing to convert waste into the useful material and in future years’ techniques
can be developed to collaborate solar power technology with nuclear power technology by
utilizing the heat that is currently being considered as a waste in nuclear power generation. Fast
breeder and conventional technology in nuclear reactor is modifying at an unprecedented rate
which is helping to make nuclear power technology to be more technologically and economically
viable. Increased investments are expected in nuclear power research which will help Nuclear
power can become more efficient than solar and wind energy technology which still faces
various constraints. As Nuclear power generation causes no release of Greenhouse gases during
its operation so nuclear power holds a good potential to eliminate all the conventional modes of
power generation in current scenario i.e. through oil, coal etc. which have become pollution
houses for the environment. Finally increasing awareness among public is required regarding the
compatibility of nuclear power plants with latest technology in current scenario.
References
[1] Synapse Energy Economics, Inc, Nuclear Power Plant Construction Costs, July 2008,
David Schlissel and Bruce Biewald

[2] POSITION PAPER: COMMERCIAL NUCLEAR POWER, Thomas B. Cochran,
Christopher E. Paine, Geoffrey Fettus, Robert S. Norris, Matthew G. McKinzie
[3] U.S. Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology
Washington, D.C. 20585, The History of Nuclear Energy
[4] IAEA NUCLEAR ENERGY SERIES No. NP-T-3.2
Journals
[1] BARC Newsletter May, 2009
[2] Annu. Rev. Environ. Resour. 2009. 34:127–52
[3] Trends in Global CO2
Emissions, 2014 [ISBN: 978-94-91506-87-1]
Web References
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_energy_consumption
[2] http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-do-fast-breeder-react/
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breeder_reactor
[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_reactor
[5] http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/non-power-nuclear-applications/overview/the-many-
uses-of-nuclear-technology/
[6] Table 1 : http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/non-power-
nuclearapplications/overview/the-many-uses-of-nuclear-technology/
[7] http://www.world-nuclear.org/Nuclear-Basics/What-other-things-can-nuclear-technology-
be-used-for-/
[8] https://geoinfo.nmt.edu/resources/uranium/images/IMG0550.jpg
[9] https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/72/Thermal_reactor_diagram.png
[10] http://large.stanford.edu/courses/2011/ph241/grayson1/images/f2big.gif

[11] http://www.fluidcomponents.com/Industrial/Products/Nuclear/images/Illustrations
/reactor-core-coolant.jpg
[12] http://www.ihi.co.jp/nupd/nuclear%20technology/nuclear%20power%20plant/rpv
800.jpg
[13] http://en.citizendium.org/images/8/86/Nuclear_Power.png
[14] http://www.nuclear-power.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Containment-
Building-Mark-II.png?11abca
[15] http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-do-fast-breeder-react/
[16] http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0029549306003347
[17] http://www.eolss.net/ebooks/Sample%20Chapters/C09/E4-23-03-03.pdf
[18] http://www.theenergycollective.com/katherinetweed/2250134/around-world-
nuclear-cant-compete-growing-renewables
[19] http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/rajasthan-nuclear-plant-unit-
5-sets-world-record-114081200704_1.html
[20] http://www.scmp.com/tech/science-research/article/1840219/china-aims-get-
hybrid-fission-fusion-nuclear-reactor-and
[21] Fig 14 : (http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/why-india-s-
nuclear-power-output-is-surging-115020300354_1.html)
[22] http://www.resilience.org/stories/2009-04-20/peak-people-interrelationship-
between-population-growth-and-energy-resources
[23] http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/Current-and-Future-Generation/world-Energy-
Needs-and-nuclear-power/

[24] http://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/The%20History%20of%20Nuclear%20En
ergy_0.pdf
[25] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_power_plant
[26] http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/current-and-future-generation/outline-history-
of-nuclear-energy/
[27] http://www.slideshare.net/nimaliarachchi/the-good-use-of-nuclear-energy
[28] http://nuclear-energy.net/applications
[29] http://www.world-nuclear.org/Nuclear-Basics/What-other-things-can-nuclear-
technology-be-used-for-/
[30] http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/non-power-nuclear-applications/overview/the-
many-uses-of-nuclear-technology/
[31] http://www.greenpeace.org/india/en/What-We-Do/Nuclear-Unsafe/Nuclear-
Power-in-India/
[32] http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/why-india-s-nuclear-
power-output-is-surging-115020300354_1.html
[33] http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/ieo/ieorefcase.html

Icacer 2016 paper_13

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

What's hot

What's hot (20)

Similar to Icacer 2016 paper_13

Similar to Icacer 2016 paper_13 (20)

Recently uploaded

Recently uploaded (20)

Icacer 2016 paper_13