India plans to increase nuclear power capacity

According to Union Minister Jitendra Singh, India's nuclear power sector saves 41 million tonnes of CO2 emissions per year when compared to emissions generated by equivalent electricity generation from coal-based thermal power plants. In a written response, Singh stated that the government was exploring a significantly larger role for nuclear power as part of low carbon development of electricity systems consistent with enhanced development benefits. Nuclear power currently accounts for 3% of total electricity generation in India, according to Singh, who added that adequate production and share of atomic energy is critical for ensuring the country's energy security. Current policy calls for a threefold increase in nuclear installed capacity by 2032, according to Singh, who heads the Department of Atomic Energy. He stated that nuclear energy can be considered in place of fossil fuel energy for delivering base load power with no intermittency. Singh stated that the current installed nuclear power capacity is expected to increase from 6,780 MW to 22,480 MW by 2031, based on the progressive completion of projects currently under construction and sanctioned. He added that capacity addition of 5,300 MW is planned over the next three years with the completion of two 700 MW units each at Kakrapar Atomic Power Station and Rajasthan Atomic Power Project, two 1,000 MW power plants at the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project, and one 500 MW Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam. In response to a separate question, Singh stated that, of the total installed capacity of 6,780 MW, Rajasthan Atomic Power Station-1 (100 MW) is currently under extended shutdown, while Tarapur Atomic Power Station 1&2 (2X160 MW), Madras Atomic Power Station-1 (220 MW), and Rajasthan Atomic Power Station-3 (220 MW) are in project mode for various upgrades, renovation, and modernization activities. The remaining 5,920 MW are operating at full capacity, according to the minister. See also: NTPC to have 2,000 MW of nuclear power by 2032 Nuclear power stations will be built by PSUs: Jitendra Singh