Why in news?

Nuclear power is in need as the renewable power is subject to weather.

What are the issues with renewable power sources?

• Solar power is available only when the sun is shining unless it is stored in some way.
• In a year, a solar PV plant of one KW capacity generates no more than 2,000 KWh of electricity,
• A coal-based or nuclear plant can generate around 7,000 KWh/year per KW of capacity
• The hydro power is unevenly distributed across months.
• There is a need of balancing Power source even there is a fully developed renewable power source.

What are the problems with coal power?

• There is a threat of climate change and the concern for environmental pollution.
• The plants to reduce air pollution will increase the cost of coal power.  
• The cost of carbon capture and storage (CCS) is quite high and requires more energy.
• The cost of coal power would be some 30 to 50 per cent higher in coming days.

What is the need for Nuclear Power in India?

• To provide power when the sun is not shining, this balancing power is needed.
• In India, more than 70 per cent of petroleum products are based on imports.
• India’s known extractable coal reserves will run out in about 40 years.
• For India, renewable energy is inevitable and nuclear option should be retained as an insurance.
• Nuclear power helps diversify the system and adds to energy security.

How Nuclear Power can be generated effectively?

• India announced an agreement with international companies to set up 7,000 MW of nuclear plants based on our domestic technology.

• Nuclear plants have been run in the past with more or less constant load.
• Design change will assure to run the power plants in a required load.
• The cost of nuclear electricity will depend on how it is financed and cheap storage systems should be developed.
• India can install the nuclear plants without delay and within budget, they are economically attractive.

Source: The Hindu