Nuclear engineering in India and its future

In summary, pursuing the nuclear physics stream in India can be beneficial due to the country's 17 operational nuclear reactors and 6 under construction. Additionally, an agreement with the US allows for the transfer of nuclear technology. Most of India's NPPs are low capacity PHWRs, which do not require enrichment, and the country has also conducted research into the 'thorium cycle'. The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) is a leading institution in this field. However, India's recent launch of its first nuclear submarine may also lead to an arms race with China, potentially benefiting the military industrial complexes of both countries.
  • #1
peeyush_ali
86
0
Hi every body.. I just want to know how beneficial it would be if one pursues the nuclear physics stream etc.,

thank you
 
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  • #2
India has 17 operational nuclear reactors and 6 under construction.
http://www.iaea.org/cgi-bin/db.page.pl/pris.powrea.htm?country=IN&sort=&sortlong=Alphabetic

The US has just signed an agreement that will allow US companies to provide nuclear technology to India.

Most of India's NPPs are low capacity PHWRs. HWRs are beneficial since they do not require enrichment. India has also conducted a lot of research into the 'thorium cycle'.

Nuclear Power in India - http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/inf53.html
http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/inf62.html

Bhabha Atomic Research Centre ( BARC )
http://www.barc.ernet.in/
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #3
For better or worse, India just launched its first nuclear submarine:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8169360.stm

An arms race with China might give the military industrial complexes of your respective countries the shot in the arm to give you that 'benefit' (i.e. employment) that you're looking for.

(Yes, I'm joking, but only half-so)
 

1. What is the current state of nuclear engineering in India?

Nuclear engineering in India has been steadily growing since its inception in the 1950s. Currently, India has 22 nuclear reactors in operation, with several more under construction. These reactors provide about 3% of the country's electricity and are expected to increase to 25% by 2050.

2. What are the main challenges facing nuclear engineering in India?

One of the main challenges facing nuclear engineering in India is the availability of uranium, the primary fuel for nuclear reactors. India has limited domestic sources of uranium and relies heavily on imports. Another challenge is public perception and safety concerns surrounding nuclear energy.

3. How does India handle nuclear waste?

India has a well-established nuclear waste management program. The country has facilities for reprocessing and storing spent nuclear fuel, as well as for disposing of low and intermediate-level waste. However, there have been some concerns about the lack of a permanent disposal site for high-level nuclear waste.

4. What are the future plans for nuclear engineering in India?

India has ambitious plans for the future of nuclear engineering. The government has set a target to increase nuclear energy capacity to 63 GW by 2032, which would require significant investment and expansion of the current infrastructure. India is also investing in advanced nuclear technologies, such as fast breeder reactors.

5. What role does nuclear engineering play in India's energy mix?

Currently, nuclear energy accounts for about 3% of India's electricity generation. However, the government has set a goal to increase this to 25% by 2050. Nuclear energy is seen as a crucial part of India's energy mix, alongside renewable sources, to meet the growing demand for electricity and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

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