Achieving a Net-Zero Economy
To achieve a net-zero economy, there needs to be massive electrification of energy uses across sectors.
Fossil fuels are used for electricity, heat, and industrial processes, like steel-making and ammonia production for fertilizers.
In a net-zero economy, we can replace carbon with hydrogen in industries like steel-making, and electrify other sectors to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Power Demand and Nuclear Power Plans
India will see a significant increase in electricity demand to meet net-zero goals.
Solar, wind, and hydro power cannot meet all of India’s energy needs, so nuclear energy must be part of the energy mix.
The Indian government targets 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047, with plans for multiple nuclear plants, including Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs).
NPCIL (Nuclear Power Corporation of India) is expanding with a program to set up several new nuclear units, including 700 MW reactors and smaller 220 MW reactors.
Low Carbon Sources and Solutions
The share of electricity from low-carbon sources like hydro, nuclear, solar, and wind will increase.
Solar and wind are intermittent, so nuclear power is essential for maintaining a consistent supply of electricity.
Flexing coal-fired plants helps balance the grid when solar and wind are active, but as more low-carbon sources are integrated, innovative solutions will be needed to balance supply and demand.
Flexing nuclear plants is challenging due to high capital costs and the difficulty of adjusting their output quickly.
Hydrogen Production and Grid Management
Electrolyzers can be used to produce hydrogen using surplus electricity, reducing the need to flex nuclear plants or curtail solar and wind power.
Hydrogen produced this way can be used in industries, not just for electricity generation.
The government classifies hydrogen made from solar and wind electricity as “green hydrogen,” offering incentives for its production.
There’s a suggestion to broaden this definition to "low-carbon hydrogen" to include hydrogen produced from nuclear power, which is also a low-carbon energy source.
Need for Synergy
Currently, hydrogen production and electricity storage are treated as separate processes, but they should be combined to improve efficiency and economics.
By synergizing hydrogen generation with battery storage, overall costs can be reduced.
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