Achieving ‘net-zero’ and relevance of Nuclear Power

During the last 10-15 years, planners and leaders across the world, have started having an increased concern regarding the effects of global warming. Global temperature of the earth is expected to be higher by 1.5 °C, as compared to the
temperatures during pre-industrial days. This has resulted in an increased severity of natural calamities. The rise is expected to be continued, if the greenhouse gas generation is not checked. Many governments have declared the targets to achieve ‘net-zero’. The governments are aiming to achieve the targets by setting up renewable-based plants. However, this may not help in ensuring the ‘net-zero’ the greenhouse gas emissions. Many countries are also considering meeting the netzero target by augmenting electricity generation using nuclear power stations.

Among all the countries, India has a very unique challenge of attaining ‘netzero’, coupled with realizing a higher human development index. The presentation will make an attempt to assess the options available with India for augmenting electricity generation using renewables, augmenting nuclear power generation capacity etc. The presentation shall also mention about use of Small Modular Reactors in the overall energy supply scenario.