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What is the primary purpose of the Thorium Cycle in India's nuclear energy strategy?
  • a)
    To produce plutonium-239 for nuclear weapons.
  • b)
    To generate electricity using natural uranium.
  • c)
    To achieve a sustainable nuclear fuel cycle.
  • d)
    To exploit India's vast thorium reserves.
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
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What is the primary purpose of the Thorium Cycle in India's nuclear en...
Primary Purpose of the Thorium Cycle in India's Nuclear Energy Strategy

India's nuclear energy strategy places great emphasis on the Thorium Cycle due to several key reasons. The primary purpose of the Thorium Cycle in India's nuclear energy strategy is to exploit the country's vast thorium reserves. This choice is driven by the fact that India possesses the world's largest reserves of thorium, estimated to be around 25-30% of global reserves.

1. Energy Security and Independence:
- India's dependence on fossil fuels for energy generation is a major concern due to the limited availability and environmental impact of these resources.
- Utilizing the Thorium Cycle allows India to tap into its own domestic resources, reducing its reliance on imported uranium.

2. Abundance of Thorium:
- Thorium is more abundant in nature compared to uranium, making it a promising alternative for long-term sustainable energy supply.
- India's vast thorium reserves provide a significant advantage in terms of fuel availability for nuclear reactors.

3. Safety and Waste Reduction:
- The Thorium Cycle offers inherent safety features, such as a higher melting point, which reduces the risk of accidents or meltdowns.
- In addition, thorium-based reactors produce less long-lived radioactive waste compared to traditional uranium-based reactors, making them more environmentally friendly.

4. Breeder Reactors:
- The Thorium Cycle utilizes breeder reactors, which can produce more fuel than they consume.
- By using thorium as a fertile material, it can be converted into fissile uranium-233 through a series of nuclear reactions.
- This allows for self-sufficiency in fuel production and reduces the need for additional uranium imports.

5. Technology Development:
- Embracing the Thorium Cycle provides India with an opportunity to develop and showcase its technological prowess in the nuclear energy sector.
- Developing advanced thorium-based reactor designs and fuel cycle technologies can position India as a global leader in this field.

In conclusion, the primary purpose of the Thorium Cycle in India's nuclear energy strategy is to exploit the country's vast thorium reserves. This strategic choice offers numerous advantages, including energy security, resource abundance, safety, waste reduction, breeder reactor capabilities, and technological development. By leveraging thorium, India aims to achieve a sustainable and self-sufficient nuclear fuel cycle, reducing its dependence on imported uranium and fossil fuels.
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What is the primary purpose of the Thorium Cycle in India's nuclear en...
The primary purpose of the Thorium Cycle in India's nuclear energy strategy is to exploit India's vast thorium reserves for power generation.
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What is the primary purpose of the Thorium Cycle in India's nuclear energy strategy?a)To produce plutonium-239 for nuclear weapons.b)To generate electricity using natural uranium.c)To achieve a sustainable nuclear fuel cycle.d)To exploit India's vast thorium reserves.Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
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