India's Nuclear Power Expansion To Give Major Boost to Defense Capabilities
With the addition of seven new reactors, India has set a goal to increase its nuclear power generation capacity by 2029, according to the Science and Technology Ministry.
SputnikIndia aims to rise its installed capacity by 70%, from the current 7.48 gigawatts (GW) to 10.08 gigawatts (GW) in the next five years, the Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh said on Tuesday. It will boost to the country's military defence capabilities as well as meeting the growing energy demand and reducing carbon emissions.
The government is placing significant emphasis on the advancement of indigenous Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) technology, including the Bharat Small Reactor (BSR) and Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR) which can enhance the military defences in multiple ways, Kavya Wadhwa, a nuclear energy advocate and energy policy analyst, told Sputnik India.
"The inclusion of SMRs in India's nuclear power programme can supply power for various naval purposes, remote military installations, and offer adaptable power generation options," Wadhwa said. "SMRs also have the potential to decrease dependence on fossil fuels and foster the growth of domestic technology, thereby enhancing India's energy security and defensive capabilities."
Meanwhile, nuclear power, with its ability to provide a stable and continuous source of electricity, has been a game-changer for military installations and operations.
According to Wadhwa, the SMRs have proven to be a valuable asset for naval fleet, citing the Advanced Technology Vessel project.
He added that India has already shown its expertise in constructing small Pressurised Water Reactors (PWRs) of approximately 83 MW for powering nuclear submarines as part of the programme.
"The SMRs can offer a compact and efficient power source that can be easily integrated into the unique space constraints of submarines, providing prolonged endurance and operational range," the expert stressed.
More Power to Military Bases and Defence Installations
The expansion of nuclear energy infrastructure is bolstering India's military bases, communication networks and logistical support systems, with a resilient energy supply unaffected by geopolitical tensions or shipment chain disruptions, the analyst believes.
"SMRs have the potential to offer dependable power to remote military installations, enhancing operational readiness, even in demanding environments such as the Siachen glacier at the India-Pakistan border. It minimises the reliance on long-distance power transmission and strengthens energy security," Wadhwa said.
He argued that the potential dual-use of nuclear technology could provide India with an edge in terms of nuclear propulsion for submarines and other strategic applications.
In the meantime, the expansion of nuclear energy generation capacity will not only help India become a self-reliant nation but can also frees up financial resources that can be redirected towards modernizing its military arsenal, enhancing cyber capabilities, and investing in cutting-edge defence technologies, the expert asserted.
"Advancements can be leveraged to enhance India's military capabilities, including the development of advanced propulsion systems, radar technologies, and even the country's nuclear deterrent," Wadhwa concluded.
In the meantime, modern technology like SMRs, increased uranium imports and expedited domestic production which would also help India achieve the projected energy production in the near future have been undertaken by the government, Dr. Sitakanta Mishra, Associate Professor of International Relations at Pandit Deendayal Energy University (PDEU), told Sputnik India.
He added that India is gearing up its nuclear energy sector with required legislative reforms, capacity building, and best practices through foreign collaborations.
"Russia's Rosatom has remained a trusted partner in India's nuclear energy journey. It is in the best interest of both the countries to collaborate in advanced sectors like SMRs, modern reactor designs, and more reactor projects in the decades ahead," Mishra stressed.