The vilification of nuclear energy goes back to a time when such energy could only be used as a weapon of mass destruction. It must stop. This is a clean and efficient power, and it must be included in the global energy mix
Recent times have seen a steady shift in the usage of nuclear technology from predominantly defence purposes to increasingly civilian applications, such as the generation of electricity.
Though the global threat of nuclear weapons continues to overshadow the benefits of peaceful nuclear technology, the tide surely seems to be turning, with the international outlook favouring the civilian use of nuclear technology.
As the global energy demand soars, the quest for sustainable sources of energy continues. Globally, 68 per cent of energy generation comes from fossil fuels (41 per cent from coal, 21 per cent from gas, and 5.5 per cent from oil), 13.4 per cent from nuclear fission and 19 per cent from renewable sources of energy.
Given this scenario, harnessing the potential of renewable energy, such as wind and solar, comes across as an appropriate first consideration for sustainable development because, apart from constructing the plant, there is no depletion of mineral resources or pollution of water and air.
But, merely harnessing these natural sources is not enough. Other than hydro energy, most of the other renewable sources — notably wind and solar — are diffuse, intermittent and unreliable, by nature of their occurrence.
These aspects offer a technological challenge of some magnitude, given that electricity cannot be stored on a large scale. For instance, solar-sourced electricity requires collecting energy at a peak density of about one kilowatt per square metre when the sun is shining to satisfy a quite different kind of electricity demand — one which mostly requires a relatively continuous supply.
Wind is the fastest growing source of electricity in many countries, and there is a lot of scope for further expansion. While the rapid expansion of wind turbines in many countries has been welcomed, the capacity is seldom more than 30 per cent utilised over the course of a week or year, which testifies to the unreliability of the source and the fact that it does not and can not match the pattern of demand.
Wind is intermittent, and when it does not blow, back-up capacity such as hydro or gas is needed. When it does blow, and displaces power from other sources, it reduces the economic viability of those sources and increases per unit price.
The rapid expansion of wind farms and solar power capacity has been helped by generous Government subsidy that is, ultimately, paid for by the consumers. However, even subsidies are now becoming unsustainable and being cut back in many countries.
Also, there is strong opposition on aesthetic grounds from the countryside where wind turbines are located. Therefore, renewable sources, such as wind and solar, are intrinsically unsuited to meet the demand for continuous and reliable supply of energy on a large scale.
The criteria for any acceptable energy supply will continue to be cost, safety, and security of supply, besides environmental considerations. Rising demand for energy will place ever greater burden on the natural world, threatening its bio-diversity, unless societies accept nuclear power as a key element of the energy mix.
The full gamut of electricity generation sources, including nuclear power, should be used to replace the burning of fossil fuels such as oil, coal and gas, if the world is to have any chance of fighting severe climate change. Nuclear energy may not strictly qualify as renewable energy but it will eventually emerge as a dependable and sustainable source of energy that has minimal adverse impact on the environment.
lower greenhouse gas emissions, and the absence of carbon dioxide and methane, during the generation of nuclear power makes the latter one of the least damaging sources of energy for the environment. Given these green credentials, environmentalists across the world are beginning to accept the practicality of this source of sustainable energy.
Efficiency is the hallmark of nuclear power. For example, a golf ball-sized lump of uranium can supply a lifetime’s worth of energy needs of a typical person. This is equivalent to 56 tanker trucks of natural gas, 800 elephant-sized bags of coal or a renewable battery as tall as 16 ‘super’ skyscraper building placed one on top of the other.
Cutting-edge and sophisticated technology generation is crucial to bring this environmentally-friendly energy source to our daily lives. Also, in a diverse country such as India, awareness generation is critical to ensure the success of an initiative. The Kudankulam nuclear power plant and the protests pertaining to the operation of the plant are an apt example of the consequences when all stakeholders are not fully convinced of the initiative.
Nuclear power has the potential to revolutionise our lives by providing energy security and ensuring a greener future, provided we are able to recognise its capability and harness it.