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India needs nuclear to meet its energy ambitions. Thorium is the answer

An important scientific achievement for India in the past week was the ‘going critical’ of India’s indigenously designed nuclear reactor in Kalpakkam.

It has been a week dedicated to science and technology. I engaged with students of the prestigious Nalanda University, BITS Pilani, Pandit Deendayal Energy University, and IILM—institutions that are at the forefront of technical education in India today. 

I spoke about the role of youth in the country’s journey toward Viksit Bharat 2047. What better place to raise this conversation than at renowned centres of science and technology? I also had the opportunity to participate in a discourse organised in association with the Ministry of Science and Technology, where Vice President CP Radhakrishnan spoke on the topic “Transformation of tribal lives through science and technological invention-preserving language, faith and culture.”

He clarified that in embracing the innovations of the modern world, we do not have to lose sight of our cultural traditions and our heritage. And as we move toward Viksit Bharat 2047, we would do well to return to the sustainable and scientific traditions that have long been part of Indian culture. 

At the same time, we can explore our rich natural resources, such as India’s thorium deposits, and leverage them to meet our growing energy needs through clean and green nuclear energy.

The criticality of Kalpakkam

An important scientific achievement for India in the past week was the ‘going critical’ of India’s indigenously designed nuclear reactor in Kalpakkam, developed by the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research. Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the criticality of the 500 Mwe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR), calling it a ‘defining step’ in India’s nuclear journey, as it enhances the country’s capability to manufacture more fuel than it consumes. 

But what is “criticality”? It is the point where the nuclear chain reaction becomes self-sustaining, which is a major milestone in itself.  

The PFBR uses plutonium-based mixed oxide as fuel and liquid sodium as coolant, marking the acceleration of India’s fast breeder reactor programme. Though it requires........

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