Overview of Nuclear Technology

• Definition: Nuclear technology involves the study of nuclear reactions involving atomic nuclei.
• Applications: Includes nuclear reactors, nuclear medicine, and nuclear weapons.
• Global Impact: Generates approximately 10% of global electricity, rising to nearly 20% in advanced economies.
• Decarbonization: Significant potential to contribute to decarbonizing the power sector.

Nuclear Energy

Nuclear Fission

• Process: Neutron collides with a larger atom, causing it to split into smaller atoms and release energy.
• Fuels: Uranium and Plutonium are commonly used due to ease of control.
• Electricity Generation: Fission energy heats water into steam, which spins a turbine to generate carbon-free electricity.

Nuclear Fusion

• Process: Two atoms collide to form a heavier atom, releasing energy.
• Example: Similar to the fusion of hydrogen atoms to form helium in the sun, producing vast amounts of energy.

Nuclear Reactors

Functionality

• Definition: Nuclear reactors are large devices that generate and regulate energy by splitting atoms.
• Electricity Generation: The energy released is used to create steam that drives turbines to produce electricity.

Components

• Fuel: Contains fissile atoms, with Uranium-235 being the most common.
• Control Rods: Absorb neutrons to control the fission rate.
• Moderator: Slows down neutrons to efficiently provoke fission reactions.
• Coolant: Transfers heat from the reactor core to the turbine and alternator.
• Steam Generator: Transfers heat to generate steam.

Types of Nuclear Reactors

1. Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR)
   • Development: Originated in Canada (CANDU) and India.
   • Fuel: Natural uranium oxide.
   • Moderator and Coolant: Heavy water.
2. Light Water Reactors (LWRs)
   • Types: Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) and Boiling Water Reactor (BWR).
   • Development: PWRs from the USSR (VVER), BWRs from the US, Japan, and Sweden.
   • Fuel: Enriched uranium.
3. Fast Reactors
   • Function: Converts nuclear “waste” into fissile material.
   • Fuel: Uses uranium-238 and plutonium.
   • Efficiency: Less efficient with uranium, more effective with plutonium.

International Regulatory Mechanisms

• International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA): Promotes safe, secure, and peaceful use of nuclear technologies.
• Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT): Prevents the spread of nuclear weapons; India is not a member.
• Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW): Imposes restrictions on nuclear weapons.
• Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG): Ensures non-proliferation by regulating nuclear exports.

Applications of Nuclear Technology

1. Agriculture: Radiation is used to prevent harmful insects from reproducing.
2. Food: Irradiation sterilizes food without making it radioactive.
3. Medical: Provides imaging and aids in disease treatment, e.g., cancer treatment.
4. Space Exploration: Nuclear technology powers unmanned spacecraft for deep space missions.
5. Water Desalination: Provides energy for desalination plants to produce fresh drinking water.

Challenges of Nuclear Technology

• Operating Costs: High due to maintenance, staffing, training, and inspections.
• Risk of Accidents: Human error or natural disasters can cause major incidents.
• Nuclear Waste: Requires meticulous disposal to prevent environmental contamination.
• Nuclear Proliferation: Increased risk of nuclear weapon proliferation with the spread of nuclear technology.
• Radiation Exposure: Harmful to humans, with long-term health impacts.