Nuclear energy stands at the intersection of scientific innovation, energy security, and environmental responsibility. As the world confronts the intertwined challenges of climate change, industrialisation, and rising energy demand, nations are rethinking their energy choices to balance growth with sustainability. The global push for decarbonisation under the Paris Agreement has further accelerated the development of renewables. Yet, the intermittency of solar and wind continues to challenge grid reliability and uninterrupted power supply.

In this context, nuclear power emerges as a dependable, large-scale source of electricity that complements renewables while enabling emission reductions.

Nuclear power is produced primarily through fission, in which a heavy atomic nucleus, such as uranium-235 (U-235), is split to release vast amounts of energy. A small quantity of U-235 can produce as much electricity as several thousand tonnes of coal, without the associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Furthermore, its ability to operate continuously for long periods provides a reliable source of baseload electricity, unlike other renewable sources. Additionally, nuclear power requires relatively less land and minimal fuel transport, while offering predictable generation costs over decades of operation. Fusion, though not yet commercially viable, is being pursued globally as a long-term ultra-clean energy source through major international research initiatives.

For India, this is not merely about identifying the optimal energy mix, but also about building strategic autonomy in an era where energy and technology dependencies translate directly into geopolitical vulnerabilities. As one of the world's fastest-growing economies-with an expanding manufacturing base, digital........

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