Daily Current Affairs : 2-April-2024
Recently, leaders from over 30 countries, including India, gathered at the Nuclear Energy Summit in Brussels. This summit focused on the essential role of nuclear power in enhancing energy security, achieving climate goals, and promoting sustainable development.
Key Takeaways from the Nuclear Energy Summit
Promotion of Nuclear Energy
One of the primary goals of the summit was to advocate for nuclear energy as a crucial part of producing low-carbon electricity. As the world grapples with climate change, nuclear power is seen as a clean energy source that can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Historic Inclusion in Global Stocktake
Nuclear energy was recently included in the Global Stocktake during COP28 in 2023. This is significant because the Global Stocktake assesses the progress of the Paris Agreement. By emphasizing the deployment of nuclear energy, leaders aim to boost efforts to combat climate change effectively.
- Current Contribution: Nuclear energy accounts for about 25% of global low-carbon electricity production.
Atoms4NetZero Initiative
The summit also highlighted collaboration with the IAEA’s ‘Atoms4NetZero’ initiative. This program supports countries in leveraging nuclear energy to achieve net-zero emissions.
Technological Advancements
Advancements in nuclear technology, such as Fusion Energy and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), were spotlighted. SMRs can generate up to 300 MW(e) per unit, offering promising options for future energy production.
Challenges
While nuclear energy has many benefits, some challenges persist, including:
- Safety concerns after the Fukushima disaster
- Vulnerability to cyber-attacks
- High initial costs of nuclear projects
Addressing these challenges is vital for the broader acceptance and use of nuclear energy.
IAEA’s Role
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) played a key role in organizing the summit. Its mission is to promote safe, secure, and peaceful use of nuclear technologies around the globe.
Status of Nuclear Energy in India
In India, nuclear energy currently contributes about 3% of the country’s electricity generation. The nation operates 23 reactors, generating a total of 7,480 MW.
- Future Plans: At least ten more reactors are under construction, aiming to increase capacity to 22,480 MW by 2031-32.
- Types of Reactors: Most of India’s reactors are Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs).
- Notable Projects: The Kakrapar Atomic Power Project (KAPP-3) is India’s first 700 MWe PHWR unit, which began operations in 2021. Additionally, the government is planning new plants, including one in Gorakhpur, Haryana.
India is also focusing on innovative technology with its first indigenous thorium-based nuclear plant, “Bhavni,” which will use Uranium-233. An experimental thorium plant, “Kamini,” is already operational in Kalpakkam.
Important Points:
Key Takeaways from the Nuclear Energy Summit
- Promotion of Nuclear Energy: Advocated as a crucial source for low-carbon electricity.
- Global Stocktake Inclusion: Nuclear energy now part of the Global Stocktake to assess climate progress.
- Current Contribution: Accounts for about 25% of global low-carbon electricity.
- Atoms4NetZero Initiative: Collaboration with IAEA to support net-zero emissions through nuclear energy.
- Technological Advancements: Highlights include Fusion Energy and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) with capacities of up to 300 MW(e).
- Challenges:
- Safety concerns post-Fukushima
- Vulnerability to cyber-attacks
- High initial costs
- IAEA’s Role: Promotes safe and peaceful use of nuclear technologies globally.
Status of Nuclear Energy in India
- Current Contribution: Contributes about 3% to India’s electricity generation.
- Operational Reactors: 23 reactors producing 7,480 MW.
- Future Plans:
- At least ten additional reactors under construction.
- Capacity projected to triple to 22,480 MW by 2031-32.
- Types of Reactors: Primarily Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs).
- Notable Projects:
- Kakrapar Atomic Power Project (KAPP-3) is India’s first 700 MWe PHWR, operational since 2021.
- New plants planned, including one in Gorakhpur, Haryana.
- Innovative Technology: Development of “Bhavni,” the first indigenous thorium-based nuclear plant using Uranium-233, and the operational “Kamini” plant in Kalpakkam.
Why In News
World leaders from over 30 countries, including India, and representatives from the EU convened at the recently inaugurated Nuclear Energy Summit in Brussels, emphasizing nuclear power’s vital role in achieving energy security, climate goals, and sustainable development, while also highlighting the need for international collaboration to address the challenges associated with nuclear technology.
MCQs about The Importance of Nuclear Energy
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What was a primary goal of the Nuclear Energy Summit held in Brussels?
A. To reduce fossil fuel consumption
B. To promote nuclear energy as a key source of low-carbon electricity
C. To discuss the safety of renewable energy sources
D. To eliminate all forms of nuclear energy
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Which initiative aims to support countries in using nuclear energy to achieve net-zero emissions?
A. Global Warming Initiative
B. Paris Agreement
C. Atoms4NetZero Initiative
D. Renewable Energy Framework
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What challenges related to nuclear energy were acknowledged during the summit?
A. High operational costs and limited resources
B. Safety concerns, vulnerability to cyber-attacks, and high upfront costs
C. Insufficient public interest and outdated technology
D. Lack of government support and regulatory issues
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