The Government has initiated steps to increase the nuclear power capacity from 7480 MW to 22480 MW by 2031-32, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said today.

The annual electricity generation from nuclear power plants has increased from 35334 Million Units (including infirm) in 2013-14 to 46982 Million Units (including infirm) in 2022-23. The installed nuclear power capacity in 2013-14 has also increased from 4780 MW to 7480 MW at present, he said.

The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, gave this information in separate written replies in the Lok Sabha.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, the electricity generation from nuclear power plants in the current year 2023-24 (up to November 2023) is about 32017 Million Units against the aspirational MoU target of 52340 Million Units for the year.

At present 23 nuclear power reactors are installed, he said. The total electricity generated from nuclear power plants during the last ten years (2013-14 to 2022-23) was about 411 BUs averting release of about 353 Million Tons of CO2 equivalent to the environment.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, construction and commission of ten reactors totalling 8000 MW is underway in the states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh. In addition, pre-project activities in respect of ten reactors accorded sanction by the Government has been initiated. These are scheduled for progressive completion by 2031-32. The Government has accorded in-principle approval to set up 6 x 1208 MW nuclear power plant in cooperation with the USA at Kovvada in Srikakulam district in the state of Andhra Pradesh, he said.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, nuclear power generation in the country continued to demonstrate excellent safety in the last 10 years. Performance landmarks like completion of 50 years of operation of TAPS 1&2 (presently oldest reactors in the world), setting of world record in continuous operation by KGS-1 of 962 days were achieved in the last 10 years.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) has taken steps to ensure completion of plant shutdown of operating reactors as per schedule and early start of generation from new units and also avoiding of any unplanned shutdown to meet the target. PFBR is undergoing integrated commissioning. Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI) has set milestones against set timeline to reach the target.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, close coordination is maintained with the State Governments during all phases of the construction and subsequent operations of the Nuclear Power Plants.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, Nuclear Power is a clean and environment friendly base load source of electricity generation, which is available 24X7. It has huge potential and can provide the country long term energy security in a sustainable manner. Expansion of nuclear power capacity will help in the country’s energy transition for meeting the goal of a net zero economy by 2070.  

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