Synopsis
On March 26, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh revealed that India's nuclear power generation capacity has escalated from 22,480 MW in 2014 to 35,333 MW currently, with the installed capacity also doubling from 4,780 MW to 8,880 MW, highlighting substantial growth in the sector.Key Takeaways
- India's nuclear power capacity growth.
- Significant budget increase for nuclear energy.
- Launch of new reactors in various states.
- Emphasis on safety and private sector involvement.
- Reduction in radiation levels at nuclear plants.
New Delhi, March 26 (NationPress) Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Atomic Energy, announced on Wednesday that India's nuclear power generation capacity has surged from 22,480 MW in 2014 to 35,333 MW today, with the installed capacity doubling from 4,780 MW to 8,880 MW.
During a discussion on nuclear power plants in the Lok Sabha, he highlighted the remarkable progress in reactor installations and advancements in nuclear energy production over the last decade.
"Prior to 2014, the total budget for the Department of Atomic Energy was Rs 13,889 crore. This year, it has risen to Rs 23,604 crore, representing a 170 percent increase," he noted in the Lok Sabha, emphasizing the government's commitment to expanding nuclear energy.
He also referred to a 2017 decision by the Union Cabinet, which allowed bulk approval for 10 new reactors in a single meeting—a historic move in India’s nuclear domain. The latest Union Budget has further supported the nuclear sector with the introduction of a dedicated nuclear mission and substantial budgetary provisions.
Dr. Singh pointed out the significant role of Rajasthan in India's nuclear energy landscape, mentioning that the state accommodates seven of the nation's 25 operational reactors. He reported the revival of a previously inactive unit, enhancing the state’s nuclear output.
Additionally, he announced the launch of a new reactor in Gorakhnagar, Haryana, signifying the geographical diversification of India’s nuclear infrastructure beyond its established hubs in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.
He reaffirmed the government's dedication to expanding nuclear energy, ensuring safety standards, and encouraging private sector involvement in India's nuclear power arena.
The Minister emphasized that the Indian nuclear energy policy is evolving towards greater engagement from the private sector. "The Prime Minister has decided to allow private players into the nuclear sector, fostering a broader resource base and expedited development," he remarked.
This initiative aligns with global best practices, empowering India to strengthen its nuclear capabilities while minimizing reliance on public funding.
Regarding safety measures, Dr. Singh assured that stringent protocols are implemented to protect plant workers and surrounding communities. He stressed that India adopts a "safety first, production next" mindset, with periodic assessments every three months during construction, biannual evaluations during operation, and a thorough review every five years.
He referenced a Tata Memorial study indicating that radiation-related health issues, like birth defects and cancer incidence around nuclear facilities, are below the national average. He also mentioned that radiation levels at India's nuclear sites remain well within safety limits, showing a consistent decrease in radiation output over the years.
Addressing concerns surrounding nuclear waste management, Dr. Singh clarified that India adheres to global best practices for secure storage. "Each nuclear facility retains its waste on-site for the initial five to seven years, after which it is transferred to an 'Away From Reactor' (AFR) site for long-term storage and potential reuse," he explained. He dispelled myths regarding Kudankulam and Kalpakkam serving as central waste repositories, reiterating that each site is self-sufficient in waste handling. He highlighted that radiation levels at the Kudankulam facility have declined from 0.081 micro-sieverts in 2014 to 0.002, while Kalpakkam has seen a reduction from 23.140 micro-sieverts to 15.96 micro-sieverts.
Regarding uranium exploration in Rajasthan, the Minister acknowledged pending environmental clearances but assured that the process is actively moving forward. "Once approvals are obtained, Rajasthan will play a crucial role in enhancing India’s uranium reserves, further advancing the country’s atomic energy initiatives," he stated.
Dr. Singh also provided updates on nuclear projects in Madhya Pradesh. He shared that the Chutka Nuclear project has completed most necessary formalities, including environmental clearances and land acquisition, while ongoing consultations address challenges related to resettlement and rehabilitation. The Shivpuri project is awaiting final arrangements for water supply, with discussions actively ongoing. He hinted at potential future expansion under the nuclear mission to include the Khandwa region.
As India’s nuclear energy capacity continues to grow swiftly with stringent safety protocols, Dr. Singh reiterated the government's vision for a robust, safe, and self-sufficient nuclear industry. "We are committed to promoting nuclear energy as a clean energy alternative, ensuring safety, and encouraging private sector participation to achieve self-sufficiency in nuclear technology," he concluded.
