Why India must be more pro-Nuclear Power Plants? The Thorium Aspect

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Disclaimer of Attribution: This discussion features the thread of discussion on X on Indian Nuclear Energy landscape. Source: https://x.com/Zoomerjeet/status/1808122437223035202

The discussion on whether India should pivot to thorium-based nuclear energy instead of relying on imported uranium brings up several important considerations. Let’s break down the key points of this argument:

Abundance of Thorium in India

India possesses vast reserves of thorium, particularly in monazite sands along its coastal regions. This abundance presents a significant opportunity for energy independence. Thorium is estimated to be three to four times more plentiful than uranium globally, and India holds one of the largest reserves, making it a strategic resource for the country’s long-term energy security.

Dependence on Imported Uranium

Currently, India imports a substantial portion of its uranium for nuclear reactors. This dependence exposes India to geopolitical risks and potential supply disruptions. If uranium-exporting countries were to form a cartel, similar to OPEC for oil, they could manipulate prices, thereby increasing the cost and compromising the reliability of India's nuclear energy program.

Challenges with Thorium Reactors

Despite the abundance of thorium, the technology for thorium reactors is not yet commercially viable. Developing thorium reactors involves several technical challenges, such as:

• Complex Fuel Cycle: Thorium itself is not fissile and requires conversion to uranium-233 through neutron absorption. This process is technologically challenging and not yet economically competitive.

• Research and Development: Significant investments in R&D are needed to overcome these challenges. India has been conducting research on thorium-based reactors for decades, but commercial deployment is still in the experimental stages.

• Infrastructure: Existing nuclear infrastructure is tailored to uranium-based reactors. Transitioning to thorium would require substantial modifications to current facilities or the development of entirely new reactor designs.

Current Use of Domestic Uranium

India already utilizes domestically sourced, lower-quality uranium to fuel its reactors. While this reduces some dependence on imports, the quality and quantity of local uranium are insufficient for the expanding energy needs of the country. Therefore, imports are still necessary to meet demand.

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