10% of India could be nuclear powered by 2030

INDO-US NUCLEAR DEAL

The share of nuclear power in India's energy basket could go up from 3 per cent to 6-10 per cent over the next 25 years, according to industry experts.

"It will take a fairly long time to make a significant dent in the overall energy mix," said Salman Zaheer, World Bank's lead energy specialist based in Delhi.

Even after all the hurdles for the supply of nuclear fuel are overcome, building a nuclear power plant could take 6-8 years.

Nuclear power plants are also the most expensive to build, requiring Rs 6 crore of capex per megawatt (mw), compared with Rs 3.5 crore for a gas-based plant, Rs 4 crore for a coal-based plant and over Rs 5 crore for a hydro plant. However, their running costs are lower, and there are also no carbon emissions to worry about.

"The nuclear option is good for power generation. Though the capital cost is somewhat higher, in the long run, the fuel cost would be less," said Power Secretary RV Shahi.

And would he feel safe about living next to a nuclear power plant? "Now technology is advanced enough to address safety concerns," he said.

Nuclear power, like coal-based power, would be best used to service "base load," an industry term used to indicate steady demand, say from a factory running 24 hours. Gas and hydro plants, since they are easier to switch on and off, are used to meet peaking requirements.

"The ideal mix for each country is different," said Zaheer.

In the interests of energy security, India should, however, continue its work on thorium-based plants using indigenous technology.