India's fast reactor program in the context of environment sustainability

Abstract

India aims to reach per capita electricity consumption at least equal to the present world average (2200 kWh/a) by 2030 from the current value of 660 kWh/a. This calls for the electricity generation capacity of about 550 GWe by 2030 assuming the population stabilizes at 1.5 billion. India will explore all possible sources of energy in the near future, and considering the environmental issues, nuclear, solar and other renewable and non-conventional energy sources will play a significant role. The main sustainable energy resource available to India, and indeed to the world, is nuclear energy. India has limited reserves of uranium but a vast resource of thorium. This paper discusses the role of fast reactors in the years to come and the long-term perspective of nuclear energy, including environmental and safety aspects.