GLOBAL NUCLEAR COMMITMENT AT COP28
Why in the News?
- 22 nations, led by the United States, commit to tripling nuclear installed capacity by 2050.
- Notably absent from the commitment is India, which maintains its stance of not joining alliances outside the COP process.
Source: WNISR
Pledge Details :
- The goal is to triple nuclear energy capacity from 2020 to 2050, recognizing the role in limiting global warming and achieving net-zero transitions.
- Commitment involves countries like France, the United Kingdom, Japan, Canada, South Korea, and Ukraine.
What is the Need?
- Nuclear power plants, while non-renewable, do not emit greenhouse gases.
- Studies emphasize significant investment in nuclear energy for achieving global net-zero carbon emissions by 2050
Current Nuclear Energy Status:
- Currently, there are approximately 370 GW of operational nuclear power capacity in 31 countries, contributing around 10% of global electricity.
- Tripling the capacity would aim for at least 1,000 GW by 2050.
India’s Position and Future Plans:
- Presently, India operates 22 nuclear reactors, collectively providing an installed capacity of around 6,780 megawatts.
- India, not part of the commitment, is urged to plan a rapid expansion of its nuclear energy sector.
- India must emphasise the necessity for nuclear energy expansion to meet India’s growing clean energy demands.