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Context

• A union minister of current government, Dr Jitendra Singh, informed parliament about the nuclear power capacity and its growth potential.
• It is estimated to reach 22.48 GB in 2031 from current installed capacity of 7.48 GW.

Other Details

• In 2021 too, the government stated in the Parliament that nuclear power generation capacity would increase to 22,480 MW by 2031.

Total Nuclear power Installed capacity in India

• In India, there are 23 nuclear power reactors with 7480 MW installed capacity.
• The total contribution of nuclear power in electricity generation in the country was about 2.8% in the year 2022-23.
• A total of 46,982 Million Units of electricity was generated by nuclear power reactors in year 2022-23.

Statewise Nuclear power Installed capacity in India

• Maharashtra – 1400 MW
• Rajasthan – 1180 MW
• Tamilnadu – 2440 MW
• Uttar Pradesh – 440 MW
• Gujarat – 1140 MW
• Karnataka – 880 MW

Process Diagram

Suggestion to promote nuclear power

• Private investments are necessary for completing targets for nuclear power generating capacity.
• The capital cost of a PHW nuclear power plant should be made lower.
• Unique risks like natural disasters, terrorist attacks, nuclear proliferation problems etc. to be addressed for invoking/generating trust in potential investors.
• A longer time of Project, delay, cost overruns should be minimized and the overall project management to be made more efficient.
• More progressive completion of projects under construction.
• Also more in principle approval should be provided for the setting up of new nuclear reactors.

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PRACTICE QUESTION Analyse the significance of nuclear power to India in the context of debates surrounding the safety and advantages of nuclear energy generation. Highlight the potential and threats of nuclear power generation. (250 words)

 

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1941010