Nuclear Energy in India – boon or bane?

We will present to you some facts of whether Nuclear Energy in India is a boon or bane.

Nuclear power is the fourth-largest source of electricity in India after thermal, hydroelectric and renewable sources of electricity. India’s agenda is to increase nuclear power output to 64,000 MW by 2032. It targets to supply 25% of electricity from nuclear power by 2050. India is involved in ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor), which consists of European Union, United States, Japan, China, South Korea, Russia as other members. Now, will tell you whether nuclear energy in India is a boon or a curse.

Is It a boon and Why?

  1. Nuclear fission produces energy equal to 10 million times the energy produced by burning an atom of fossil fuel or hydro or wind power.
  2. Through nuclear plants, we can protect our planet from Global warming as there is no release of greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, methane, ozone, chlorofluorocarbons) during a nuclear reaction.
  3. By burning fossil fuels, poisonous CO2 releases.
  4. Uranium is obtained from open-cut mines, which is not expensive and presently the high reserves of uranium found on Earth, are expected to last for another 100 years.
  5. Nuclear fuel is less expensive and easier to transport.
  6.  Nuclear energy can be produced in large quantities over short periods.
  7. As compared to fossil fuel waste, the nuclear waste which occurs due to the production of nuclear power is small in quantity.
  8. We can save oil reserves which are going to be run out at some point.

Is it a bane and Why?

  1. Nuclear plants are dangerous if it explodes. Thousands of people suffered in the nuclear accident that happened in Chernobyl in 1986. On 11th March 2011, four nuclear reactors exploded in Japan due to an earthquake. There are 17 nuclear plant explosions happened in the world till now.
  2. Nuclear power releases radiation, which causes severe health problems to the people in its surroundings. The radiation released by this lasts for tens of thousands of years in the environment.
  3. In Japan, at the place of nuclear reactors which are exploded, a high ratio activity was found in water, leafy vegetables, seafood, and in the people, who are working for reconstruction of those power plants now.
  4. Nuclear reactors last for about 40-50 years.
  5. It is a great risk for the entire world as nuclear energy can benefit terrorists to make nuclear weapons.
  6. Though it produces a small amount of waste, it is highly hazardous and the long-term storage of this waste is too difficult.
  7. The nuclear plant is highly expensive.
  8. Uranium is not renewable. If the resources of uranium are completely used and there isn’t any more.

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