India is being advised to prioritize thorium over uranium to achieve energy independence, according to Anil Kakodkar, former chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission. Kakodkar emphasized the significance of thorium in India’s nuclear energy program, highlighting the need to transition swiftly from uranium to thorium due to the country’s abundant thorium resources. He stressed the importance of relying on domestic energy sources to achieve energy self-sufficiency.
Kakodkar, a nuclear physicist, highlighted India’s self-reliant development of nuclear technology, noting the country’s advanced reactor system’s performance. Despite this progress, the main challenge faced is the availability of high-quality uranium fuel within the country. India’s nuclear reactors currently depend on uranium, and while additional uranium resources have been discovered, they remain insufficient.
India’s engagement in Civil Nuclear Cooperation has facilitated uranium imports from countries like the US, Canada, Kazakhstan, and Australia to support its civilian nuclear power program. This access to imported uranium has enabled Indian reactors to operate at full capacity, with plans in place to increase overall capacity and establish new reactors as part of a nuclear energy mission targeting 100 gigawatts.
As global demand for uranium rises and its availability remains limited worldwide, Kakodkar emphasized the necessity for countries to secure limited supplies. He highlighted the need to address the challenges associated with uranium supply constraints by shifting the focus to thorium. Kakodkar stressed the importance of transitioning to thorium for India’s future energy needs.
