India Pursues Thorium-Based Nuclear power, Aiming for Energy Independence
Sriharikota, India – India is aggressively advancing its research and development of thorium-based nuclear reactors, a potentially game-changing strategy for energy independence and a cleaner nuclear future. The nation, possessing one of the world’s largest reserves of thorium but limited uranium, views the element as a key to meeting its rapidly growing energy demands and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Unlike customary uranium-fueled reactors, thorium reactors produce substantially less long-lived nuclear waste and offer enhanced proliferation resistance. india’s three-stage nuclear program, initiated in the 1950s, was specifically designed to leverage its abundant thorium resources. While initial stages focused on establishing a plutonium production cycle using uranium, the ultimate goal remains the widespread deployment of thorium reactors.recent progress includes the development of the Kalpakkam mini Reactor (KMR) and the ongoing construction of the Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Mahamandal (BHAVINI) Fast Breeder Reactor, both crucial steps toward realizing a thorium-based energy economy.
The pursuit of thorium technology isn’t without challenges.Extracting thorium from monazite sand is complex and costly, and developing efficient reactor designs requires significant investment and technological innovation. Though, accomplished implementation could position India as a global leader in nuclear technology and offer a sustainable energy solution for other nations with limited uranium resources. The Indian government has committed significant funding to the program, signaling a long-term commitment to this ambitious endeavor.