Daily Current Affairs : 6-December-2023
The recently concluded COP28 climate meeting witnessed a historic commitment from over 20 countries to triple global nuclear installed capacity by 2050. While notable absentees like India stuck to their non-alliance stance, the pledge reflects a growing consensus on the role of nuclear energy in achieving net-zero emissions.
International Commitment to Enhance Nuclear Energy:
Global Nuclear Energy Expansion:
Initiated by the United States, 22 nations, including France, the UK, Japan, Canada, South Korea, and Ukraine, aim to triple nuclear energy output by 2050.
Recognition of Nuclear Energy:
- Acknowledges nuclear energy’s crucial role in achieving global net-zero greenhouse emissions.
- Emphasizes the significance of nuclear science and technology in climate monitoring and mitigation.
- Recognizes the vital role of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
- Highlights nuclear power as a major clean energy source enhancing energy reliability.
Non-Participating Nations:
China and Russia, despite having rapidly expanding nuclear programs, were notably absent from the agreement.
Future Developments:
The IAEA’s plan for a Nuclear Energy Summit in Brussels indicates a focus on decreasing fossil fuel dependency, strengthening energy autonomy, and fostering economic growth.
Imperative Expansion of Nuclear Energy:
Eco-friendly yet Finite Energy:
Nuclear power, considered environmentally friendly but finite, is crucial for a sustainable energy future.
Current Global Nuclear Capacity:
- Presently, 370 GW of nuclear energy production across 31 nations contributes to 10% of global electricity.
- Projected increase to a minimum of 1,000 GW by 2050, a threefold rise.
Climate Change Mitigation:
- Essential for maintaining global temperature rise below 1.5 degrees Celsius.
- Integral to achieving a net-zero emission goal by 2050.
India’s Nuclear Energy Scenario:
Current Status:
- India boasts an installed nuclear capacity of 6,780 MW.
- 8 new reactors under construction, expected to add another 6,800 MW.
Strategic Growth:
- Echoing Anil Kakodkar, India aims for extensive growth in its nuclear sector to meet its 2070 net-zero emission target.
Prospects of India’s Nuclear Energy Growth:
Projected Expansion:
By 2070, India’s nuclear energy infrastructure may require a 100-fold expansion from current levels to meet rising demands.
Renewables vs. Nuclear Debate:
- While renewables are comprehensive, they may not suffice for India’s growing clean energy needs.
- Nuclear energy’s substantial scale-up is essential to address escalating demand.
International Collaboration:
- Despite not committing to specific targets, India’s participation in global forums like COP28 aligns with its energy strategy.
Important Points:
- Global Nuclear Commitment:
- 20+ countries pledge to triple global nuclear installed capacity by 2050 at COP28.
- Notable absentees: China and Russia, despite rapid nuclear program expansion.
- International Recognition:
- Agreement acknowledges nuclear energy’s crucial role in achieving global net-zero emissions.
- Recognizes the significance of nuclear science and technology in climate monitoring.
- Emphasizes the vital role of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
- Future Developments:
- IAEA plans an unprecedented Nuclear Energy Summit in Brussels.
- Focus areas: Decreasing fossil fuel dependency, strengthening energy autonomy, fostering economic growth.
- Nuclear Energy Imperative:
- Acknowledged as an eco-friendly yet finite energy resource.
- Current global nuclear capacity: 370 GW across 31 nations, projected to triple to 1,000 GW by 2050.
- Essential for maintaining global temperature rise below 1.5 degrees Celsius.
- Integral to achieving a net-zero emission goal by 2050.
- India’s Nuclear Landscape:
- Current nuclear capacity: 6,780 MW, with 8 new reactors under construction (6,800 MW).
- Strategic growth plan aligns with a 2070 net-zero emission target.
- Prospects of India’s Nuclear Growth:
- Projected 100-fold expansion of India’s nuclear energy infrastructure by 2070.
- Renewables vs. Nuclear debate: Nuclear energy substantial for addressing growing clean energy needs.
- India’s participation in global forums like COP28 aligns with its energy strategy, despite not committing to specific targets.
Why In News
At the COP28 climate meeting, more than 20 countries have pledged to triple the global nuclear installed capacity by 2050, in a bid to attain a net-zero emissions status. Just as in the case of the pledge tripling renewable energy, India is not a part of the nuclear energy commitment as well, in keeping with its position not to join alliances outside the COP process. Despite this, India remains committed to advancing its own sustainable energy initiatives within the framework of the COP agreements.
MCQs about Navigating Nuclear Energy Expansion
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What was the primary focus of the commitment made by 20+ countries at COP28 regarding nuclear energy?
A. To double global nuclear capacity by 2050
B. To triple global nuclear installed capacity by 2050
C. To limit the growth of nuclear energy
D. To phase out nuclear energy by 2050
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Which two nations were notably absent from the international commitment to enhance nuclear energy at COP28?
A. India and France
B. China and Russia
C. Japan and Canada
D. The UK and South Korea
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What is the projected increase in global nuclear capacity by 2050 ?
A. Double the current capacity
B. A fivefold rise
C. A tenfold rise
D. A threefold rise
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what is the role of nuclear energy in addressing India’s escalating demand for clean energy?
A. It is not essential, and renewables are sufficient.
B. Nuclear energy should be phased out in favor of renewables.
C. India needs to substantially scale up its nuclear energy production.
D. India has already achieved its clean energy goals through nuclear power.
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