Expansion of Nuclear Power Capacity

Why in news

The article details the current status of nuclear power projects in India, including those under construction and in pre-project activities, in response to a Parliament question.

Exam relevance

GS3 · Economy, Science & Technology · Prelims · Mains

Key facts

1. India currently has twenty nuclear power reactors under implementation.
2. Ten nuclear power reactors are under construction.
3. Ten nuclear power reactors are under pre-project activities.
4. Projects under construction include RAPP-8 (700 MW) in Rajasthan, KKNPP-3&4 (2x1000 MW) and KKNPP-5&6 (2x1000 MW) in Tamil Nadu, PFBR (500 MW) in Tamil Nadu, GHAVP-1&2 (2x700 MW) in Haryana, and KAIGA-5&6 (2x700 MW) in Karnataka.
5. Projects under pre-project activities include GHAVP-3&4 (2x700 MW) in Haryana, Chutka-1&2 (2x700 MW) in Madhya Pradesh, Mahi Banswara-1&2 (2x700 MW) and Mahi Banswara-3&4 (2x700 MW) in Rajasthan, and FBR-1 & 2 (2x500 MW) in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu.
6. During peak construction, approximately 8000 persons are estimated to be employed per project.
7. Upon operation, twin unit stations are estimated to employ about 2000 persons (direct and indirect).
8. The FBR project is estimated to provide about 650 direct and 3600 indirect employment opportunities.
9. A robust regulatory mechanism of safety reviews exists at multiple levels for nuclear power plants.
10. The safety of nuclear power plants is continuously monitored and reviewed.

Prelims pointers

• India has 20 nuclear power reactors under implementation.
• Reactors are categorized into those under construction and those under pre-project activities.
• Key nuclear power project locations include Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh.
• Various reactor types are being implemented, including Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) and Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs).
• Nuclear power plant safety is overseen by a multi-level regulatory mechanism.
• Employment generation is a significant aspect of nuclear power project development.

Mains practice question

Discuss the significance of expanding India's nuclear power capacity in the context of energy security, climate change mitigation, and economic development. What are the key challenges associated with this expansion?

Static linkage

India's nuclear power program is part of its energy security strategy, aiming to diversify the energy mix and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) plays a crucial role in the research, development, and deployment of nuclear technologies, including power generation. The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) is responsible for safety regulation.

Significance

The expansion of nuclear power capacity is crucial for meeting India's growing energy demands, achieving its climate change mitigation goals (e.g., reducing carbon emissions), and ensuring energy security. Nuclear power offers a stable, baseload power source, complementing intermittent renewable energy sources. The development of indigenous reactor technologies, like the PHWRs and PFBR, signifies technological self-reliance. Employment generation during construction and operation phases also contributes to economic development.