Russia has proposed helping India build and localise both large and small nuclear power plants as part of their ongoing civil nuclear cooperation. This offer was made during a meeting in Vienna on the sidelines of the International Atomic Energy Agency's annual conference, highlighting the growing partnership between the two countries amid India's push for clean and reliable energy sources to meet its growing demands.
What is Nuclear Power and How Do Nuclear Power Plants Work?
Nuclear power is energy produced from splitting atoms in a process called nuclear fission, where uranium atoms are split to release heat, which turns water into steam to spin turbines and generate electricity.
Nuclear power plants (NPPs) are facilities that house reactors where this fission happens safely; they include large ones (over 1,000 MW capacity) for big grids and small ones (under 300 MW) like small modular reactors (SMRs) that can be built in factories and shipped.
Unlike coal or gas plants, nuclear plants produce no carbon emissions during operation, making them clean, but they need careful handling of radioactive waste and safety systems to prevent accidents.
What are Large and Small Nuclear Power Plants, and Why Localise Them in India?
Large NPPs, like those at Kudankulam (1,000 MW per unit), provide massive baseload power—steady electricity 24/7—to support industries and cities; Russia's VVER-1000 design is used there, known for safety features like passive cooling.
Small NPPs, including SMRs, are compact, cost less (around $2-3 billion vs. $5-10 billion for large), build faster (3-5 years vs. 7-10), and suit remote or island areas; they can be scaled by adding modules.
Localisation means making parts in India, reducing costs by 30-50%, creating jobs (up to 10,000 per project), and building skills; Russia's offer helps transfer tech, as seen in Kudankulam where Indian firms now supply 40% of components.
What is the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant and Its Role in India-Russia Ties?
Kudankulam NPP in Tamil Nadu is India's largest nuclear site, with six planned units of 1,000 MW each from Russia; Units 1 and 2 are running since 2013 and 2016, producing over 50 billion units of electricity so far.
It's a symbol of India-Russia friendship since the 1988 agreement, surviving global sanctions; Russia supplies fuel and helps with waste, while India gains reliable power for southern states.
Progress: Units 3-6 are under construction, with Unit 3 expected by 2027; the project has faced delays due to protests but now includes high localisation for efficiency.
What is India's Current Nuclear Energy Contribution and Future Plans?
Nuclear energy makes up about 3% of India's electricity (7.48 GW from 22 reactors), compared to 20% globally; it provides clean, reliable power, reducing coal dependence (70% of India's mix) and cutting emissions.
India's plans: Add 15 GW by 2031, reach 100 GW by 2047; focuses on indigenous PHWRs (Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors) using thorium, plus imports like Russian VVERs for diversity.
Benefits: One NPP unit saves 2 million tonnes of coal yearly, aids net-zero by 2070; challenges include high upfront costs ($3-5 per watt) and public safety fears post-Fukushima.
What is the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Its Role in This Deal?
IAEA is a UN body promoting safe nuclear use since 1957; it verifies peaceful programs, sets standards, and hosts conferences like the 69th in Vienna where this offer was discussed.
For India-Russia deal: It's under civil cooperation, meaning for energy not weapons; IAEA safeguards ensure no misuse, as India isn't NPT signatory but has IAEA agreements for imported reactors.
The meeting highlighted global nuclear growth, with Rosatom showcasing Russia's 80-year history, including world's first NPP in 1954.
Why is This Russia-India Nuclear Cooperation Important Now?
India needs more power for 8% GDP growth, targeting 500 GW non-fossil by 2030; nuclear is key for baseload amid variable solar/wind.
Geopolitics: Amid Ukraine war, Russia remains reliable partner; deal strengthens ties, with trade at $65 billion in 2024, including oil discounts.
SMR focus: Russia has experience with floating SMRs (Akademik Lomonosov since 2019); India eyes SMRs for decarbonising steel, hydrogen production.
What are the Benefits and Challenges of Nuclear Energy for India?
Benefits: Reliable (90% capacity factor vs. 25% solar), low fuel costs (uranium lasts years), jobs (Kudankulam employs 5,000), and energy security (India has thorium reserves for future).
Challenges: High safety standards needed (post-Chernobyl designs have multiple barriers), waste management (stored in pools then dry casks), and costs; but localisation cuts imports, saving billions.
Global context: Nuclear provides 10% world electricity; India-Russia deal aligns with COP28 pledge to triple nuclear by 2050.
What Could Be the Next Steps in This Proposal?
Discussions on sites, tech transfer, and financing; possible new site beyond Kudankulam, as hinted earlier.
Integration with India's SMR plans: Government aims for prototypes by 2030, partnering with firms like NTPC.
Broader impact: Boosts Make in India, exports (like to Bangladesh), and clean energy goals, reducing 1.5 billion tonnes CO2 yearly from coal.
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