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Need for Nuclear power

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June 30, 2017

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

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