Canada-India Uranium Deal Boosts India's Nuclear Energy Security and Power Programme
India signed a C$2.6-billion deal with Canadian company Cameco for 10,000 tonnes of uranium supply from 2027 to 2035, enhancing its energy security. India's domestic uranium reserves are low-grade, making imports crucial for its civilian nuclear power programme, which currently operates 24 reactors with 9 GW capacity and aims for 100 GW by 2047. The deal falls under the 2010 India-Canada Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement, which requires India to provide "fissionable material accounts." Uranium is also used for research, medical isotopes, and defense purposes, including nuclear warheads and submarines.
Key Points
- The uranium deal with Canada is crucial for India's energy security, supplementing its low-grade domestic reserves.
- India's nuclear power program, transitioning through three stages, aims for significant capacity expansion by 2047.
- The deal operates under the India-Canada Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement, which includes specific accountability requirements.
- Uranium is utilized across India's strategic sectors, including civilian power generation, medical research, and defense applications.
Exam Facts
- India signed a C$2.6-billion deal with Cameco for 10,000 tonnes of uranium.
- The deal covers the period from 2027 to 2035.
- India's domestic uranium reserves are estimated at 4.2-4.3 lakh tonnes of ore.
- India aims to increase its nuclear power capacity to 100 GW by 2047.
- The Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) is under commissioning in Kalpakkam.
Read it. Retain it. Recall it.
Get spaced-repetition flashcards, daily quizzes and offline access — free on Android.