Context

• Achieving a net-zero economy is one of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century.
• As nations around the world transition toward sustainable energy systems, electrification of energy end-uses emerges as a foundational pillar in this shift.
• However, this transformation extends beyond simply replacing fossil fuels with renewable electricity.
• It requires a comprehensive reimagining of industrial processes, energy generation, and storage, placing nuclear power and hydrogen at the forefront of the strategy.

The Necessity of Electrification and Hydrogen Integration

• The bulk of current fossil fuel usage is for purposes beyond electricity generation, notably in providing heat and essential molecules in industrial processes.
• For instance, carbon from coal is a critical component in steel production, while hydrogen derived from natural gas is vital in manufacturing ammonia, a key input in fertiliser production.
• Transitioning to a net-zero economy mandates replacing these fossil-derived molecules with cleaner alternatives.
• In this context, hydrogen becomes indispensable, not just as an energy carrier but also as a feedstock substitute in industrial operations.
• In steel manufacturing, for example, hydrogen can substitute carbon, enabling a cleaner reduction of iron ore.
• Similarly, widespread electrification must be complemented by strategic deployment of hydrogen, especially where direct electrification is impractical or inefficient.

Rising Power Demand and the Role of Nuclear Energy

• Forecasts by energy researchers indicate a significant increase in power demand as India progresses toward a developed, net-zero economy.
• While solar, wind, and hydroelectric power are critical components of the energy mix, they alone cannot meet the growing electricity requirements.
• Nuclear energy, with its capability to provide stable and continuous power, becomes an essential complement.
• Recognising this, the Indian government has set an ambitious goal of achieving 100 GW of installed nuclear capacity by 2047.
• The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) is actively working to realise this vision through the deployment of Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs).
• Several projects are already underway across Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Haryana, with a planned fleet of 26 PHWRs rated at 700 MW.
• Furthermore, NPCIL is promoting the development of 220 MW Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs) for captive industrial use, leveraging indigenous capabilities and manufacturing infrastructure.

Challenges in Balancing Low-Carbon Energy Sources

• The Challenge of Grid Stability in a Low-Carbon Future
  • As nations transition toward low-carbon energy systems, one of the most pressing operational challenges is balancing electricity supply and demand in real time.
  • In a fossil fuel-dominated system, this balancing act is relatively straightforward, conventional coal or gas-fired plants can be ramped up or down as needed to match demand.
  • However, in a system dominated by low-carbon sources like solar, wind, hydro, and nuclear, maintaining grid stability becomes far more complex.
• Intermittency and Operational Constraints of Renewables
  • Solar and wind energy, while environmentally sustainable, are inherently intermittent and variable.
  • Solar generation peaks during the day and drops to zero at night, while wind patterns are less predictable and can vary by region and season.
  • Hydroelectric power is more consistent but is constrained by geography and seasonality.
  • Nuclear energy, on the other hand, provides a stable and continuous source of power but is typically designed to operate best at a constant, "base load" output rather than being flexed to follow demand fluctuations.
• Limitations of Flexing Nuclear Power for Load Balancing
  • As the share of renewable energy increases and fossil generation is phased out, a new paradigm for grid balancing must emerge, one that does not rely on carbon-intensive methods.
  • While some experts suggest the possibility of flexing nuclear power plants to match grid demand, this approach faces significant limitations.
  • Technically, altering the output of nuclear reactors is challenging due to the complexity of their operation and the long-term planning required for fuel cycles.
  • Economically, it is also inefficient: nuclear plants are capital-intensive assets designed for constant operation to maximize their return on investment.
  • Operating them at partial load levels reduces their cost-effectiveness, especially since variable costs do not decrease proportionally with reduced output.

The Way Forward

• Hydrogen Electrolysis as a Grid Balancing Solution
  • Given these constraints, the need for innovative, non-fossil solutions to balance low-carbon electricity becomes paramount.
  • One such promising solution is the integration of hydrogen production through electrolysis.
  • Electrolysers can serve as dynamic and flexible loads on the grid, absorbing excess power when supply exceeds demand, such as during peak solar or wind generation hours.
  • This not only prevents the wastage of renewable electricity but also helps stabilise the grid without compromising the continuous operation of nuclear plants.
• Decoupling Supply and Demand Through Hydrogen Production
  • The use of grid-connected electrolysers introduces an elegant solution: instead of curtailing solar or wind energy or flexing nuclear reactors, surplus electricity can be redirected to produce hydrogen, a versatile energy carrier and industrial feedstock.
  • This approach effectively decouples electricity supply from immediate demand, creating a buffer that supports grid reliability and emissions reductions.

Conclusion

• The road to a net-zero economy is complex and multifaceted, requiring a coordinated transformation of energy generation, industrial practices, and policy frameworks.
• Electrification, coupled with the strategic use of hydrogen, holds the key to decarbonizing end-use sectors.
• Nuclear power, with its base-load stability, must be integrated into the energy mix to meet growing demand.
• Forward-looking policy changes, such as redefining hydrogen categories and promoting integrated energy solutions, can unlock synergies and accelerate the transition.