Is Rajasthan Ready for Its Second Nuclear Power Plant in Banswara?

Jaipur, Sep 20 (NationPress) After a hiatus of nearly 52 years, Rajasthan is preparing to launch its second nuclear power facility in Banswara, following the success of the Rawatbhata Nuclear Power Plant in Chittorgarh. Once operational, along with anticipated expansions at Rawatbhata, the state’s total nuclear power generation capacity is projected to hit 6,680 MW, a significant milestone in Rajasthan’s evolution into a nuclear energy hub.

Rajasthan's energy sector is on a remarkable growth path. Currently recognized as the leading state in the country for renewable energy, it is now set to make major advances in the nuclear energy domain as well.

Following nearly 52 years, Rajasthan is on track to establish its second nuclear power plant in Banswara, building on the successful operations of the Rawatbhata Nuclear Power Plant located in Chittorgarh. Once the Banswara project is operational and the planned expansions at Rawatbhata are completed, the state's total nuclear power generation capacity will rise to an estimated 6,680 MW. This expansion is pivotal for positioning Rajasthan as a significant player in the nuclear energy sector in India, aligning with the state's vision for enhancing its role in the country’s clean energy mission, according to officials.

To bolster the growing nuclear sector, uranium exploration activities have been gaining traction. Notable reserves have been identified in Khandela (Sikar district), where the Atomic Minerals Directorate is actively engaged. Additional exploration is taking place in Udaipur, Dausa, and other regions of Sikar, which is anticipated to lessen the state's future reliance on external nuclear fuel sources.

Focusing on project-specific advancements, the Rawatbhata Nuclear Power Plant, established in 1963 with Canadian collaboration, currently operates seven units with a total capacity of 1,780 MW. The eighth unit (700 MW) is nearing commissioning, and plans for the ninth and tenth units (700 MW each) are underway, boosting the total planned capacity to 3,880 MW.

On a national scale, India operates 24 nuclear reactors with a combined capacity of 8,080 MW. With the addition of Rajasthan's upcoming units, this total will increase to 10,180 MW, making Rawatbhata the largest nuclear facility in the country, surpassing even Kudankulam in Tamil Nadu, which currently has a capacity of 2,000 MW.

The new Banswara Nuclear Power Project will contribute an additional 2,800 MW, with an estimated investment of Rs 50,000 crore. This project is a collaboration between NTPC and NPCIL, poised to significantly enhance Rajasthan's nuclear infrastructure.

Experts assert that the advancement of nuclear energy in Rajasthan, particularly through the Rawatbhata and Banswara projects, will be vital in strengthening India's energy security while making considerable contributions to the nation’s green energy objectives over the next decade.