Why nuclear power generation is not utilized much in India?

One of the main reasons for the low capacity factors is lack of nuclear fuel. India has been making advances in the field of thorium-based fuels, working to design and develop a prototype for an atomic reactor using thorium and low-enriched uranium, a key part of India’s three stage nuclear power programme.

Why China is developing a game changing thorium Fuelled nuclear reactor?

China is poised to test a thorium-powered nuclear reactor in September, the world’s first since 1969. The theory is that this new molten-salt technology will be “safer” and “greener” than regular uranium reactors, and so could help Beijing meet its climate goals.

What are the pros and cons of thorium?

As the mine in case of thorium is an open pit, its mining is found to be safer than uranium mining. Disadvantages of thorium reactors: High start-up costs: Huge investments are needed for thorium nuclear power reactor, as it requires significant amount of testing, analysis and licensing work.

Does India have thorium reactor?

One advantage of thorium fuel is its low weaponization potential; it is difficult to weaponize the uranium-233/232 and plutonium-238 isotopes that are largely consumed in thorium reactors….World sources of thorium.

Does China have a thorium reactor?

China built the thorium reactor in the Gobi Desert near the city of Wuwei in August, and now that construction has wrapped, it expects to begin testing the device before the end of September.

Does India have thorium reactors?

Why India should pursue a thorium powered nuclear energy Programme?

Abundant supply Thorium has high thermal conductivity and higher melting point. According to the World Nuclear Association, out of the 63,55,000 tonnes of thorium resources available globally, India has 8.46 lakh tonnes, followed by Brazil with 6.32 lakh tonnes and Australia with 5.95 lakh tonnes.

Are there any downsides to thorium?

Emission of gamma rays: Presence of Uranium-232 in irradiated thorium or thorium based fuels in large amounts is one of the major disadvantages of thorium nuclear power reactors. It can result in significant emissions of gamma rays.

Which country has the largest thorium reserves?

India
List of Countries By Thorium Reserves

Is this India’s first thorium nuclear reactor?

The design of India’s first reactor that could burn thorium is complete – the Advanced Heavy Water Reactor (AHWR). But construction is not imminent, and Sinha, who led the design, stresses it’s not a blueprint for the third stage.

Can India harness thorium as a potential power source?

Kerala’s beautiful beaches hold 16\% of India’s thorium reserves, a major potential power source – if only scientists can find the right way to exploit it (Credit: Alamy) Even India’s nuclear establishment admits the country is unlikely to generate substantial energy from thorium until at least the 2050s. Others are more sanguine.

Why did India develop 3 stage nuclear power program in 1954?

Since India was not part of International Nuclear trade, India had to rely on developing technologies that would utilise Thorium to produce the energy in Nuclear reactors. Hence father of Indian Nuclear Program Homi J Bhabha envisaged developing a 3 Stage Nuclear Power Program in 1954, by utilising India’s vast Thorium reserves.

Do You Know India’s beaches are rich in thorium?

The tropical beaches of India probably bring to mind sun-dappled palms, fiery fish curries and dreadlocked backpackers, but they also hold a surprising secret. Their sands are rich in thorium – often hailed as a cleaner, safer alternative to conventional nuclear fuels.