In response to a discussion on Nuclear power in the Lok Sabha, the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Department of Atomic Energy acknowledged the significant growth of India’s Nuclear power generation capacity.

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• 2014-2024: India’s Nuclear power generation capacity nearly doubled from 4,780 MW in 2014 to 8,180 MW in 2024. 
• Projected: Nuclear capacity is projected to triple to 22,480 MW by 2031-32 with Nuclear Energy accounting for nearly 9% of India’s electricity by 2047.

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About India’s Nuclear Energy Programme

• Percentage Contribution: Nuclear energy is the fifth-largest source of electricity in India, contributing about 3.11% (as of 2020-21) of the country’s total electricity generation.
• Current Status: 
  • Operating Reactors: 23 operating reactors across 7 nuclear power plants
  • Types of reactors: Primarily pressurized heavy-water reactors (PHWRs), with some light-water reactors (LWRs)
• Resource Deposits: India possesses 21% of the global Thorium deposits but only  2% of the world’s uranium deposits.
• Implementing Agencies: Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) under the Department of Atomic Energy  is responsible for design, construction, commissioning and operation of nuclear power reactors.
  • NPCIL also has equity participation in BHAVINI ( PSU of Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) implementing Fast Breeder Reactors programme)
• Evolution: 
  • The Department of Atomic Energy was established in 1954 by the Indian Government and charged with the sole responsibility for all nuclear activities in the country. 
  • India’s atomic energy program began in 1956 with the launch of its first nuclear reactor, Apsara (designed and built by India) for research purposes.
    • The Apsara and CIRUS reactors were platforms for conducting research in neutron physics, studies in the behaviour of materials under neutron irradiation and for production of radio isotopes.
  • Nuclear Energy Power Plant: Electricity production using nuclear energy commenced in October 1969 with the commencement of the two reactors at Tarapur, Maharashtra.
  • India’s third nuclear power station at Kalpakkam, near Chennai in 1983 was the first indigenously designed and built nuclear power units 
• India’s Three-Stage Civil Nuclear Power Programme: 
• • Stage I: Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs): India has built a series of PHWRs known as the IPHWR series with reactor designs with the capacities of 220 MWe, 540 MWe, and 700 MWe.
    • PHWRs uses natural uranium (uranium-238) as fuel an creates plutonium-239 as a byproduct.
    • PHWR uses heavy water, or deuterium oxide, or D2O, is used as a coolant and moderator.
  • Stage II: Fast  Breeder Reactor (FBR): Fast breeder reactors use a mixed oxide (MOX) fuel composed of plutonium-239 recovered from the first stage and natural uranium.
    • The 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) started construction in 2004 at Kalpakkam near Madras.
  • Stage III: Thorium-Based Reactors:
    • The main fuel used in the reactor is thorium-232, which is converted to uranium-233 to provide energy.
    • Indigenous projects like “Bhavani” are being developed to harness this resource, reducing dependence on imported uranium and other materials. 
• Future Plans to Boost Nuclear Sector: 
  • Proposals on starting work on 8 PHWRs of 700 MW each, four Fast Breeder Reactors of 500 MW each, one Advanced Heavy Water Reactor of 300 MW and 40,000 MW capacity of LWRs based on international cooperation is already envisaged.
  • India’s Power Distribution Framework: The revised framework has increased the home state’s share of electricity from atomic plants to 50%, with 35% allocated to neighboring states and 15% to the national grid.
  • Bharat Small Reactors: In budget 2024 investment in construction of small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) in partnership with the private sector has been made.
    • SMRs are compact versions of nuclear reactors and provide up to 300MW of power.
  • Focus on Safety: India has achieved performance landmarks like completion of 50 years of operation of TAPS 1&2 (presently oldest reactors in the world) and setting of world record in continuous operation by KGS-1 of 962 days in its nuclear power Programme.

Institutional Framework for Nuclear Power in India

 India’s nuclear sector operates under a robust legal framework promoting safety and accountability

• Atomic Energy Act, 1962: The Act regulates atomic energy production and use, granting the central government control over nuclear activities to ensure public safety and compliance with international standards.
  • 2015 Amendments: It allows joint ventures between NPCIL and state-owned companies, encouraging private participation while maintaining state control over nuclear power generation.
• Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010: It Establishes liability and compensation for nuclear incidents, with the Indian Nuclear Insurance Pool offering USD 15 billion in coverage, enhancing investor confidence.
• The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB): AERB established under the Atomic Energy Act of 1962 is India’s regulatory authority for nuclear energy and ionizing radiation. 
  • AERB develops and enforces safety standards for nuclear facilities, from siting to decommissioning, and grants consent for their operation following rigorous safety reviews. 
• Nuclear Controls & Planning Wing (NC&PW): Integrates the Department of Atomic Energy’s (DAE) safeguards, export controls, and nuclear security related activities.

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