Panel Says Future Nuclear Fleet Will Need 5,400 Tonnes Uranium Annually
ECONOMY & POLICY

Panel Says Future Nuclear Fleet Will Need 5,400 Tonnes Uranium Annually

A Parliamentary Committee on Public Undertakings has found that planned expansion of India's nuclear fleet will raise uranium requirements, with pressurised heavy water reactors expected to need about 5,400 tonnes (t) of uranium oxide annually. The committee noted domestic production currently satisfies about 30 per cent of that baseline and urged faster expansion of mining and production to secure fuel supply. The Nuclear Fuel Complex assembles fuel for these reactors using uranium concentrate supplied by the Uranium Corporation of India Limited or through imports under government oversight.

Imports currently come from Kazakhstan, Russia, Uzbekistan and Canada, and a long-term supply contract with Uzbekistan runs until 2026. The committee said a proposed joint venture between the Uranium Corporation of India Limited and NTPC to acquire overseas uranium stakes could help stabilise fuel costs but asked the Department of Atomic Energy for clearer timelines and a detailed plan. It also sought a framework to involve mine developer-cum-operators in domestic production.

The committee emphasised the need to establish strategic uranium stockpiles calibrated to refuelling cycles and outage risks to protect reactor operations against supply disruptions. The Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research has established around 0.431 million (mn) tonnes (t) of uranium oxide, and the report noted that of 80,423 tonnes transferred to the Uranium Corporation of India Limited about 39.22 per cent has already been depleted. The document observed that at current production rates the remaining reserves could last around 40 years if no new resources are added.

In response the Department of Atomic Energy said the Uranium Corporation of India Limited plans to double production by expanding existing mine capacity and developing projects in Jharkhand, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited operates 25 reactors with an installed capacity of 8,780 megawatt (MW) and has 17 reactors totalling 13,100 MW under execution; the government aims for 100 gigawatt (GW) by 2047 with NPCIL expected to provide nearly half of that capacity. The committee urged that securing domestic and overseas supplies be aligned with capacity targets.

A Parliamentary Committee on Public Undertakings has found that planned expansion of India's nuclear fleet will raise uranium requirements, with pressurised heavy water reactors expected to need about 5,400 tonnes (t) of uranium oxide annually. The committee noted domestic production currently satisfies about 30 per cent of that baseline and urged faster expansion of mining and production to secure fuel supply. The Nuclear Fuel Complex assembles fuel for these reactors using uranium concentrate supplied by the Uranium Corporation of India Limited or through imports under government oversight. Imports currently come from Kazakhstan, Russia, Uzbekistan and Canada, and a long-term supply contract with Uzbekistan runs until 2026. The committee said a proposed joint venture between the Uranium Corporation of India Limited and NTPC to acquire overseas uranium stakes could help stabilise fuel costs but asked the Department of Atomic Energy for clearer timelines and a detailed plan. It also sought a framework to involve mine developer-cum-operators in domestic production. The committee emphasised the need to establish strategic uranium stockpiles calibrated to refuelling cycles and outage risks to protect reactor operations against supply disruptions. The Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research has established around 0.431 million (mn) tonnes (t) of uranium oxide, and the report noted that of 80,423 tonnes transferred to the Uranium Corporation of India Limited about 39.22 per cent has already been depleted. The document observed that at current production rates the remaining reserves could last around 40 years if no new resources are added. In response the Department of Atomic Energy said the Uranium Corporation of India Limited plans to double production by expanding existing mine capacity and developing projects in Jharkhand, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited operates 25 reactors with an installed capacity of 8,780 megawatt (MW) and has 17 reactors totalling 13,100 MW under execution; the government aims for 100 gigawatt (GW) by 2047 with NPCIL expected to provide nearly half of that capacity. The committee urged that securing domestic and overseas supplies be aligned with capacity targets.

Related Stories

Gold Stories

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Sabarmati Riverfront Two Plots Up for Auction at Rs2.24 bn Base Price

Two commercial plots on the western bank of the Sabarmati Riverfront will be auctioned with a base price of Rs 112 crore each, equivalent to Rs 1.12 bn apiece and Rs 2.24 billion in total. The parcels are located adjacent to the Metro Rail Bridge in Ahmedabad and form the first commercial offering after a prolonged pause. The Riverfront Development Corporation has framed the sale as part of a phased commercial release to revive development along the riverfront. The combined base valuation has been set by the corporation to reflect market rates along the riverfront. The corporation has fixed a ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Andhra Pradesh to Connect Over One Million Streetlights

Andhra Pradesh will undertake a statewide smart streetlighting programme across all 123 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), bringing around 1.05 million (mn) streetlights under an AI enabled monitoring and management system. The programme will be implemented by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) with the Commissioner and Director of Municipal Administration under the state Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department. The project aims to convert conventional streetlighting into a digitally managed municipal service monitored and maintained remotely. The initial phase will cover abou..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

AMC To Procure Four Machines For Guard Rail Cleaning

Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation will introduce four specialised machines for cleaning guard railings along major roads and the central verges of BRTS and Metro corridors. The civic body plans to replace manual labour with mechanised cleaning to improve maintenance of road infrastructure and greenery. The purchase is estimated at Rs 82.8 million (mn), excluding GST. The proposal sets the base price of each machine at about Rs 20.7 million (mn) so four units total Rs 82.8 million (mn) before GST. 18 per cent GST will be applicable separately. During the warranty period each machine will operate ..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement