India’s nuclear journey enabled nuclear deterrence but failed to deliver on the promise of an energy revolution
Nehru inaugurated the Cirrus reactor at Trombay on January 16, 1961; (Photo: Getty Images)
IIndia enacted the Atomic Energy Act and in 1948 Homi J. Bhabha made an initial commitment to nuclear energy by establishing the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) as its chairman. Six years later, the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) was created under the direct charge of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to work towards ensuring nuclear safety as well as power generation from available thorium and uranium in India.
DAE pioneered research in nuclear energy at Trombay, on the outskirts of Mumbai, where the first research reactors were built. By 1963, India had two research reactors and four nuclear reactors. DAE’s strong institutional framework and the diligence of its scientists enabled the resounding success of the nuclear tests at Pokhran in 1974 and 1998.
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Since India’s uranium reserves are relatively modest, while its thorium reserves are among the world’s largest, a three-stage nuclear fuel cycle strategy was adopted—natural uranium reactors, followed by fast ones using plutonium from first-generation reactors. The breeder reactor, and then the reactor is based on a self-sustaining thorium-uranium-233 cycle. Inspired by its ‘Nuclear for Peace’ motto, DAE focuses on delivering the benefits of nuclear science for energy, food, water, health and national security. The goal of generating 10,000 MW of nuclear power by 2000, however, remains elusive even after 22 years.
