Around 1985 DAE had a plan of generating 10,000 MW of nuclear power by 2000. But in the year 2000, the installed capacity was closer to 2000 MW. Around the year 2000, the targets were altered a bit. The revised target was to produce 10, 000 MW by 2010 and 20, 000 MW by 2020. I hope you can fathom the efficiency of our nuclear scientists and the alacrity with which the Government facilitates nuclear research here.
Coming to FBR technology, our scientists have been threatening to commission a 500 MW FBR reactor for so many years. I guess the first time I read about that was in the mid 90s. And now they claim that it will be ready by 2010. Judging by their past record, this seems like mere hogwash to me.
Thorium based FBRs make a lot of sense in the Indian context as we have the largest known reserves of Thorium. We have had a prototype reactor (FBTR) since 1985, but like the rest of our nuclear program, this too seems to be suffering from extreme lethargy.
The situation can definitely be salvaged. But, the initiative must come from the Government. With ever increasing fossil fuel prices, nuclear energy is one of mankind's big hopes. And, nuclear power also translates into weapons grade fissile material. Future generation of rockets will in all probability by powered by nuclear power and so on. Clearly, the advantage is multi-pronged. This is one area the country must invest heavily.
