Context:
The proposed SHANTI Act 2025 aims to transform India’s nuclear sector by promoting thorium-based energy, enhancing energy security, and reducing nuclear proliferation risks.
Key Highlights:
Policy & Institutional Framework:
• SHANTI Act 2025 seeks to open nuclear energy to public, private, academic, and industrial participation
• Supports India’s target of 100 GWe nuclear capacity by 2047
Energy Security Concerns:
• Heavy reliance on imported uranium for current reactors
• Global uranium reserves may sustain demand only for ~30 years (once-through cycle)
Thorium Advantage:
• India possesses one of the largest thorium reserves globally
• Thorium-based cycle produces Uranium-233, a fissile material
• Offers higher energy yield (50–100 times) and lower proliferation risk
Technological Pathways:
• Three-stage Nuclear Programme:
- Stage 1: PHWRs (use natural uranium)
- Stage 2: Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs)
- Stage 3: Thorium-based reactors
- Use of PHWRs with HALEU fuel to irradiate thorium
• Development of Thorium Molten Salt Reactors (TMSRs) and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
Fuel Cycle & Innovation:
• Pyrochemical recycling for efficient nuclear fuel reuse
• Integration with green hydrogen production technologies
Relevant Prelims Points:
• Thorium (Th-232): Fertile material converted into fissile U-233
• FBRs: Produce more fissile material than consumed
• PHWR: Uses heavy water moderator, suited for natural uranium
• HALEU: Uranium enriched between 5–20% U-235
• TMSR: Advanced reactor using molten salt fuel
• India’s three-stage nuclear programme
Relevant Mains Points:
• Energy Independence:
- Reduces dependence on imported uranium and fossil fuels
- Ensures long-term sustainability of nuclear energy
- Strategic & Environmental Benefits:
- Lower carbon emissions compared to fossil fuels
- Reduced nuclear proliferation risks
- Challenges:
- Technological complexity of thorium fuel cycle
- High initial investment and long gestation period
- Limited commercial-scale deployment experience
- Way Forward:
- Accelerate FBR and thorium reactor development
- Enhance public-private partnerships in nuclear sector
- Promote international collaboration for technology transfer
- Invest in R&D and pilot projects for SMRs and TMSRs
UPSC Relevance:
• GS 3: Science & Technology, Energy Security
• Link to climate commitments and sustainable energy transition