Should India consider phasing out nuclear power? Premium

Germany has shut down the last of its nuclear power plants and France is struggling to replenish its stock of ageing reactors. With solar and wind power becoming more popular globally, there are questions on whether nuclear power remains a relevant option for a future that is fossil-free, particularly in India

Germany has shut down the last of its nuclear power plants; France, the nuclear powerhouse of the world, is struggling to replenish its stock of ageing reactors. With solar and wind power becoming more popular globally, there are questions on whether nuclear power, with its attendant concerns on cost and safety, remains a relevant option for a future that is fossil-free, particularly in India. In a conversation moderated by Jacob Koshy, R. Srikanth and Rahul Tongia discuss whether nuclear energy should be phased out. Edited excerpts:

R. Srikanth is Professor and Dean, National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru, and head of the Energy, Environment and Climate Change Programme; Rahul Tongia is Senior Fellow, Center for Social and Economic Progress, New Delhi, where he leads the Energy, Natural Resources and Sustainability Group