19-March-2024-Special-Article

WHAT IS NUCLEAR WASTE AND WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES OF HANDLING IT?

India recently achieved a significant milestone in its nuclear program by loading the core of its prototype fast breeder reactor (PFBR), moving towards stage II of its three-stage nuclear program.

However, effective management of nuclear waste remains a crucial challenge in the field of nuclear energy.

Nuclear Waste:

• Definition: Nuclear waste refers to the radioactive byproducts generated during nuclear fission reactions in nuclear reactors.
• Generation Process: Neutrons bombard the nuclei of certain elements, leading to nuclear fission reactions that produce radioactive waste materials.
• Characteristics: Highly radioactive and hazardous, nuclear waste must be safely stored to prevent environmental contamination and human exposure.

Managing Nuclear Waste:

• Storage: Nuclear waste, known as spent fuel, is initially stored underwater for several decades to cool down before being transferred to dry casks for long-term storage.
• Treatment Facilities: Nuclear power plants have liquid waste treatment facilities to manage radioactive liquid waste generated during reactor operation.

Disposal Methods:

• Geological Disposal: Some advocate for burying nuclear waste deep underground in sealed containers within geologically stable formations.
• Reprocessing: Involves separating usable materials like plutonium and uranium from spent nuclear fuel for recycling. However, reprocessing also yields weapons-usable plutonium.

Challenges in Managing Nuclear Waste:

• Geological Disposal Risks: Geological disposal poses risks of radioactive material exposure if containers are disturbed, as demonstrated by incidents like the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant accident in the US.
• Private Sector Exclusion: Lack of private sector involvement may hinder innovation and technological advancements in nuclear waste management.
• Underutilized Funds: Despite the existence of funds for nuclear waste management, such as the US Nuclear Waste Fund, they often remain underutilized.
• Lack of International Cooperation: Inadequate international collaboration hampers the development of effective nuclear waste management strategies.

India’s Approach to Nuclear Waste Management:

• Reprocessing Facilities: India operates reprocessing plants in Trombay, Tarapur, and Kalpakkam to recycle spent nuclear fuel and produce plutonium for reactors and other purposes.
• Current Practices: India’s reprocessing facilities handle spent nuclear fuel, with capacities ranging from 50 to 100 tonnes of heavy metal per year.

Way Forward:

• Emphasize Reprocessing: Focus on reprocessing technologies to recycle valuable materials from spent nuclear fuel and reduce the volume of high-level waste.
• Vitrification Techniques: Employ vitrification processes to encapsulate radioactive waste in glass, ensuring long-term stability and containment.
• Invest in R&D: Allocate resources for research and development to explore alternative disposal methods and innovative technologies for nuclear waste management.
• Regulatory Oversight: Strengthen regulatory frameworks to enforce safety standards and mitigate environmental and health risks associated with nuclear waste.
• International Collaboration: Foster international cooperation to share knowledge, develop best practices, and ensure responsible management of nuclear waste on a global scale.

Conclusion:

Effective management of nuclear waste is imperative for the safe and sustainable use of nuclear energy.

By implementing robust strategies and fostering international cooperation, countries like India can address the challenges associated with nuclear waste management and pave the way for a cleaner and safer energy future.

Mains Question:

1. Explain the concept of nuclear waste and the challenges associated with its management. Discuss India’s approach to nuclear waste management and suggest measures for addressing the challenges in handling nuclear waste effectively. (150 WORDS)