Progressive nuclear policy for India: Learning from the France story

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the current nuclear energy scenario in India and propose progressive steps in light of recent international developments. The Indian economy poised to grow at a healthy rate in the years to come will require significant energy to sustain the growth. Along with using current energy sources, issues like sustainability and GHG emissions should also be kept in mind. Being naturally endowed with low-quality coal, India has had to rely on thermal energy over the years. But going forward, issues like load factors and total conversion costs work against fossil fuel as a sustained energy source. Emerging sources of energy like solar, hydro and wind are plagued with problems like seasonal variation, high capital costs and low load factors. Given this background, and the foreseen rapid rise in energy deficit, Nuclear energy appears to be a viable option. Nuclear energy also benefits from low GHG emissions, higher plant load factors and comparatively lower fuel costs. Post the 1974 Pokhran Nuclear test, international nuclear supplies embargo was placed on India. Due to this, the Indian nuclear program developed independently and was based on utilizing locally available thorium reserves. Developing the technology for thorium reactors will not happen in the immediate future, requiring exploitation of other technologies. This is the motivation behind India signing the 123 agreement and nuclear deals with various nations of the Nuclear Supplies Group. Issues like nuclear liability and waste management have also been evaluated. The evolution of the French Nuclear program has also been studied to adapt some key takeaways for the Indian scenario. The study identified several key success factors of the French Nuclear program. The study proposes several recommendations both on policy and operation fronts. The key improvement areas from a policy perspective were identified to be the nuclear liabilities bill, waste management system and creating a favourable environment both among the public as well as policy makers. On the operational front, there is a requirement of planning for the distant future using pluri-annual planning of investments. India requires to develop the complete eco-system with domestic expertise at each stage of the Nuclear Energy value chain. Till this stage is achieved, India should look towards forging international partnerships to augment its domestic program.