INSTITUTE OF PEACE AND CONFLICT STUDIES

In this article, Sethi discusses the advantages of retaining nuclear power in India’s energy mix. Referring to Unit 3 of the Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS) gaining criticality on July 22nd, the argument on why India should invest in nuclear power by comparing the pros and cons with other energy sources is made. Sethi also states that information campaigns highlighting the environmental advantages and safety aspects of nuclear energy are needed to enhance its credibility and win public support. Read more.

“Questions are often raised about why India should continue to invest in nuclear power when even after 60 years of having been in the fray, it contributes only 2 per cent to national electricity generation. Should the focus not be on modern, renewable sources like solar and wind energy, which in just the past five years have taken the share of renewables from 13.2 to 23.3 per cent? Solar energy emerged as the star performer in this period, with a tenfold increase in capacity, while nuclear power added only a gigawatt of new capacity. What then is the rationale for retaining nuclear power in India’s energy mix, especially as countries in Europe are phasing it out?”

Image: Unsplash stock, Neelkamal Deka.