Consider the following statements:
Statement-I: India, despite having uranium deposits, depends on coal for most of its electricity production.
Statement-II: Uranium, enriched to the extent of at least 60% is required for the production of electricity.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 3 — Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
India indeed has domestic uranium deposits but relies heavily on coal for electricity generation (around 70% of total capacity). However, Statement-II is factually wrong because commercial nuclear power plants do not require uranium enriched to 60%.
✅ Statement-I – Correct: India has uranium deposits in Jharkhand (Singhbhum), Andhra Pradesh (Tummalapalle), and other regions, yet coal remains the dominant source for electricity production due to its abundance, lower cost, and established infrastructure.
❌ Statement-II – Incorrect: Uranium enriched to 60% or more is classified as Highly Enriched Uranium (HEU) and is used for research reactors or nuclear weapons, not commercial electricity production. India's PHWRs use natural uranium (0.7% U-235), while most commercial Light Water Reactors worldwide use Low Enriched Uranium (LEU) enriched to only 3-5% U-235.
📝 Short Notes: Nuclear Fuel Enrichment Levels
| Enrichment Level | U-235 Percentage | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Uranium | 0.7% | India's PHWRs (Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors) |
| Low Enriched Uranium (LEU) | 3-5% | Commercial Light Water Reactors (LWRs) globally |
| Highly Enriched Uranium (HEU) | 20-90% | Research reactors, naval propulsion |
| Weapons-Grade Uranium | ≥90% | Nuclear weapons |
- India's Nuclear Program: Uses indigenous three-stage program starting with natural uranium in PHWRs
- Coal Dominance: India's coal reserves (4th largest globally) and lower capital costs make it preferred despite environmental concerns
- Uranium Sources: Jharkhand (Jaduguda), Andhra Pradesh (Tummalapalle - one of world's largest), Meghalaya, Rajasthan
- Nuclear Capacity: Only ~3% of India's total electricity comes from nuclear power (as of 2023)
Question 1 of 2 Nuclear Energy
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