Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced today that the government has launched initiatives to elevate the nuclear power capacity from 7480 MW to 22480 MW by 2031-32.
According to him, the annual electricity production from nuclear power plants has surged from 35334 Million Units (including infirm) in 2013-14 to 46982 Million Units (including infirm) in 2022-23. He highlighted that the installed nuclear power capacity has also risen from 4780 MW in 2013-14 to the current 7480 MW.
The Minister, addressing separate written replies in the Lok Sabha, shared that the electricity generated from nuclear power plants up to November 2023 in the current year stands at about 32017 Million Units, against an aspirational MoU target of 52340 Million Units for the year.
Currently, there are 23 installed nuclear power reactors, the Minister noted. Over the past ten years (2013-14 to 2022-23), approximately 411 BUs of electricity were generated from nuclear power plants, preventing the release of about 353 Million Tons of CO2 into the environment.
Dr. Jitendra Singh disclosed that construction and commissioning of ten reactors totaling 8000 MW are in progress across states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh. Additionally, pre-project activities for ten reactors sanctioned by the Government have commenced, with a scheduled progressive completion by 2031-32. He also mentioned the in-principle approval for establishing a 6 x 1208 MW nuclear power plant in collaboration with the USA at Kovvada in Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam district.
Highlighting the exemplary safety record of nuclear power generation in the last decade, Dr. Jitendra Singh mentioned key milestones achieved in terms of operational performance.
He emphasized the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited’s (NPCIL) measures to adhere to shutdown schedules, ensure early commencement of operations for new units, and avoid unplanned shutdowns. The Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) is undergoing integrated commissioning, while Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI) has set milestones to meet targets within the stipulated timeline.
Dr. Jitendra Singh underlined the close coordination maintained with State Governments throughout the construction and operation phases of Nuclear Power Plants.
He concluded by reiterating that nuclear power is a clean and environmentally friendly source of base load electricity available round the clock. He emphasized its immense potential to provide long-term energy security to the country in a sustainable manner. Expanding the nuclear power capacity aligns with the country’s energy transition goal towards achieving a net-zero economy by 2070.