Nuclear Energy: A Balanced Perspective

Imagine walking down the street and asking random people, “What is nuclear energy?” Most would likely respond, “It’s the energy used to create bombs.” This narrow perception stems from three major historical incidents: Hiroshima-Nagasaki, Chernobyl, and Three Mile Island. The first was a deliberate act of war, while the latter two were catastrophic accidents caused by human error. Despite these events, nuclear energy continues to be unfairly labelled as inherently destructive.

However, it is crucial to understand that any form of energy holds the potential for both creation and destruction. A person with harmful intent could just as easily cause damage with a magnifying glass as with a more sophisticated tool. The real question is not about whether nuclear energy is inherently safe or dangerous but about the actual ‘safety’ versus the ‘feeling of safety’.

Safety can be demonstrated by technologists, policymakers, and the government, but fostering a genuine feeling of safety requires building public trust. This is where the government must take responsibility. The unnecessary secrecy surrounding nuclear energy only fuels public apprehension. A small but telling example can be found in our education system: in NCERT textbooks, nuclear energy is often first introduced in the context of bombs in history classes, followed by its role as an energy source in science classes. When students are first exposed to nuclear energy as a tool for destruction, it’s natural for them to develop a biased view.

As a nation, we cannot afford to exclude ourselves from the global growth cycle due to past setbacks. Consider Japan—a country that endured the devastation of an atomic bomb. Today, Japan is actively working to expand its nuclear energy capacity to meet future energy demands. By 2047, India’s energy demand is projected to reach 2,700 billion units (BU). While renewable sources like solar, wind, and biogas may supply up to 2,500 BU, there will still be a gap of 200 BU that must be filled with indigenous clean energy.

The answer is clear: we must be ready to accept and embrace nuclear energy as part of our future. Technologies like Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMRs) and Advanced Nuclear Energy for Enriched Life (ANEEL) fuel present us with innovative and sustainable solutions. It is our responsibility to stay informed about these developments, educate those around us, and advocate for the necessary steps to secure a sustainable energy future.

Let’s not allow the shadows of the past to cloud our vision for a brighter, cleaner tomorrow.

Atharv Diwan
EECC, PIC