In the aftermath of the Japan nuclear crisis, questions are being asked about whether nuclear power is worth the cost and even the huge threat to life and the environment it entails.
The proposed Jaitapur plant in Maharashtra will be one of the biggest nuclear plants in the world with a total of six reactors providing 9,600 megawatts of power.
“The major disadvantage of nuclear energy is that the horrific after effects of any tragedy remain with us for generations to come. That’s why it is one of the most dangerous energy sources to be utilised,” says Advait Pednekar, activist of Lok Vigyan Sangathan.
“Japan just goes to show that we cannot foresee the worst case scenario and when the technology is inherently dangerous, like nuclear technology, the government needs to be aware of the repercussions,” says Greenpeace activist Karuna Raina. This is why environmentalists the world over call for a push towards harnessing renewable sources of energy.
“There has to be a constant effort to promote renewable energy sources. Considering the huge cost they entail, the efforts have to be supported by the government too,” Pednekar added.
So what are the alternatives to nuclear energy (besides the non-renewable coal and gas energy)?
The main alternatives are solar, wind and biomass energy. Experts say India has the potential to greatly increase its solar energy use as at present since solar energy produced comprises just 1 per cent of the total energy consumed in India.
A solar mission named “Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission” was launched in January 2010 which promises to generate 1,000MW by 2013 and 20GW by 2022. Cost is a deterrent because the capital cost of installing the necessary solar plants goes up to Rs15 crore per MW. But this is still much cheaper than the Rs20 crore per MW that the Jaitapur project will cost, not to mention the displacement, loss of livelihood and risk to the environment the Jaitapur project will cause.
Wind energy is another option. The Indian wind energy sector has an installed capacity of 11807 MW. This sector too has huge room for growth. According to the website of the Indian Wind Energy Association, with the current level of technology, the potential of electricity generation from the wind in India is about 65,000 MW. It is also comparatively cheaper than nuclear energy capital cost working out to about Rs5.5-6 crores per MW.
