Paper: GS – III, Subject: Science & Technology, Topic: Nuclear Technology, Issue: India’s Uranium Deficit and Nuclear Ambitions.
Context:
Recently, India secured a long-term uranium supply agreement with Australia, an important outcome of their Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement. It supports India’s plan to expand nuclear power capacity from about 8.7 gigawatts to 100 gigawatts by 2047.
Key Takeaways:
| Milling: It is the process of crushing uranium ore and separating uranium to produce a concentrated powder called yellowcake. |
Explanation:
Why Domestic Uranium Is Insufficient?
- India has considerable uranium resources spread across several states. Important deposits exist in Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Telangana and Meghalaya.
- However, uranium below the ground is not ready nuclear fuel. Like grain in a field, it must be extracted and processed before use.
- Opening a new mine requires exploration, land acquisition, environmental clearances and processing facilities. These steps require considerable time and investment.
- Uranium Corporation of India Limited operates facilities around Jaduguda and Turamdih in Jharkhand and Tummalapalle in Andhra Pradesh.
- Domestic production presently supports only a limited part of India’s nuclear capacity. The remaining reactors depend significantly on imported fuel.
Growing Fuel Requirement:
- India’s uranium demand will rise sharply as new nuclear reactors become operational. Both natural and enriched uranium will be required.
- Imports arrive as yellowcake, natural uranium pellets and enriched uranium pellets. Each form serves a different stage of fuel production.
- A shortage of fuel can reduce reactor operations even when the power plant is ready. Fuel security must therefore accompany reactor construction.
International Partnerships:
- The 2008 Nuclear Suppliers Group waiver enabled India to enter global civilian nuclear trade despite remaining outside the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
- India has obtained uranium from Russia, Kazakhstan, Canada and Uzbekistan. France and the United States have also supplied uranium-related materials.
- Australia’s entry can further diversify India’s supplies. However, the quantity covered by the agreement has not been disclosed.
Way Forward:
- India must expand uranium exploration, mining, enrichment and fuel-fabrication capacity. Private participation can provide additional capital and technology.
- Environmental safety and the concerns of local communities must receive proper attention during mining expansion.
- India should maintain several reliable foreign suppliers to prevent excessive dependence on any one country.
Conclusion:
India possesses uranium resources but lacks enough production and processing capacity. Imports remain necessary for immediate energy security. Strong domestic capacity, responsible mining and diversified partnerships must advance together to achieve India’s nuclear ambitions.
Source: (The Indian Express)
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