Q. Consider the following statements :

Statement-I : India, despite having uranium deposits, depends on coal for most of its electricity production.
Statement-II : Uranium, enriched to the extent of at least 60%, is required for the production of electricity.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

  • Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
  • Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
  • Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
  • Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Answer: (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

Notes:

  • Both conventional (thermal, nuclear, and hydro) and renewable (wind, solar, biomass, etc.) energy sources are used to produce electricity in India. However, the majority of electricity is produced by coal-fired thermal power plants, which provide about 58% of the total electricity. In the year 2021–2022, approximately 3.15 per cent of the nation’s electricity was generated using nuclear energy.
  • Uranium enrichment of U235 isotope 3 to 5 percent is required for electricity generation. Research reactors use uranium that has been highly enriched to a concentration of at least 20%.
    • At least 90% enriched Uranium is considered as weapons grade uranium.

Also Read: Uranium and Thorium Distribution