Q. What are nuclear fusion and nuclear fission reactions? Explain the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear power. (Answer in  150 words)

05 Oct, 2022 GS III Daily Answer Writing 2022-23 ( Upgrade)

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Modal Answer

Nuclear fission is a reaction where the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller nuclei, while releasing energy.

Nuclear fusion is the process by which two light atomic nuclei combine to form a single heavier one, while releasing massive amounts of energy.

Advantages of nuclear power:

• Clean energy: A green energy source è Zero GHG emissions.
• Reduced import bills: Will save $100 Billion annually, that is spent on petroleum importsè key to energy security.
• Recyclable: as much as 90% of the nuclear waste can be recycled, especially in Thorium reactors.
• Low operational costs: after the initial costs, as compared to gas, coal etc.
• Reliable source of energy: as compared to Solar and wind energy, which are intermittent and unstable.
• High energy density: million times more than fossil fuels
• Facilitate achievement of India’s Climate Pledges: 50% of electricity from non fossil fuel based energy.

Disadvantages of nuclear power:

• High construction costs: power plants often surpass their cost estimates during construction. E.g. Jaitapur in India.
• Radioactive waste: Can be extremely toxic for thousands of years è Storage challenges.
• Threat of accidents:g. Chernobyl and Fukushima.
• Impact on environment: due to mining of resources like Uranium & high water intensity.
• Land acquisition Challenges: Kudankulam in Tamil Nadu and Kovvada in AP have met with delays due to this.
• Low fuel availability: As India is not a member of NPT & NSG, nuclear fuel & Technology supply is severely constrained. 

Indigenous development of thorium (abundant in A.P., Kerala) based nuclear power and strengthening Civil Liability Law is required to make nuclear power a truly sustainable energy option for an ‘Atom-Nirbhar’ India.

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