It is now a well known fact that India has short-supply of uranium for its existing nuclear power reactors which use uranium as the fuel. The Nuclear Power Corporation has openly declared that due to the shortage of uranium the existing reactors are working at 50% of their capacities. India’s third stage of nuclear power program envisages the thorium-bred U-233 reactors. Of course, India has plenty of thorium on its vast sea-shorelines in the south. Even for these proposed third-stage reactors, India needs plutonium, which is an important by-product in the uranium-fueled reactors. Plutonium is also required for strategic applications.
India needs satisfactory completion of the on-going nuclear deal with the US. India gets uranium in plenty and may be cheaper than the home production. The existing reactors will work at full capacity, will have enough plutonium for future reactors and will be able to get the necessary hi-tech components from the international market. Global warming scenario is also supporting clean and green nuclear power.
Irrespective of the government at the centre (UPA or NDA), India should be able to generate at least 10% of the total power generated through nuclear route by 2020. That will be the greatest achievement of the Indian nuclear Industry and a great tribute to Homi Bhabha. Looks like a tall order!
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