Technology : Nuclear & Nanotechnology

Q 2 / 17

UPSC CSE Prelims 2023

Consider the following statements :
  1. Statement-I : India, despite having uranium deposits, depends on coal for most of its electricity production.
  2. 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?

EXPLANATION

Correct Option

Statement-I is correct. India's electricity generation is predominantly coal-based, accounting for a significant majority of the total power output. This reliance persists despite the presence of indigenous uranium deposits in regions such as Jharkhand and Andhra Pradesh.

Statement-II is incorrect. Nuclear power reactors typically utilize low-enriched uranium (LEU), where the concentration of the fissile isotope U-235 is increased to approximately 3-5%. Uranium enriched to 60% or more is considered highly enriched uranium (HEU), often associated with weapons-grade material, and is not generally used for commercial electricity production.

Incorrect Options

Options (a), (b), and (d) are incorrect because Statement-II contains a factual inaccuracy regarding the enrichment level of uranium required for electricity production in commercial nuclear reactors.

SOURCEScience & Technology by Ravi Agrahari, Chapter: Nuclear Technology, India Year Book 2023, Chapter: Energy