How nuclear waste is generated

• India's nuclear program achieved a milestone by loading its prototype fast breeder reactor core.
• This advancement aligns with their goal of using abundant thorium reserves for energy independence.
• However, a significant challenge remains: managing the nuclear waste produced.

Key Highlights

• Nuclear waste generation: When fuel in a reactor absorbs neutrons, it creates radioactive elements.
• This waste, called spent fuel, is highly radioactive and requires underwater storage for decades.
• Later, it's transferred to secured casks for further storage.
• Global challenge: Countries with established nuclear programs face substantial waste accumulation.
• The US, Canada, and Russia serve as examples.

Nuclear waste concerns:

• Health hazards: This waste remains radioactive and poses a threat to human health for millennia.
• Environmental impact: Accidents like Fukushima and Chernobyl demonstrate the severe consequences of radioactive material release into the environment.
• Financial burden: Strict regulations govern handling, transport, storage, and disposal of nuclear waste to ensure safety. Maintaining these facilities incurs significant costs and manpower requirements.