India’s Nuclear Power Capacity Set to Surge by 70% in Next Five Years, Announces Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh.
New Delhi:
In a significant development for India’s energy sector, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh has unveiled ambitious plans to boost the country’s nuclear power generation capacity by approximately 70% over the next five years. During a high-level meeting convened to review the 100 days Action Plan of the Department of Atomic Energy, Dr. Singh highlighted that the current installed capacity of 7.48 GWe (Gigawatt electrical) will escalate to 13.08 GWe by 2029. This surge will be facilitated by the addition of 7 new reactors, marking a substantial enhancement in India’s nuclear energy capabilities.
Dr. Singh underscored the government’s commitment to indigenous technological advancements and the imperative of ensuring energy security. He emphasized, “Indigenous technology development and promoting energy security should be our priority,” noting various strategic initiatives undertaken to bolster collaboration and integration within the sector. These efforts include fostering joint ventures with public sector units, leveraging next-generation technologies, and streamlining research and development approvals to expedite scientific progress and enhance living standards.
The Department of Atomic Energy is actively pursuing innovative projects such as the 220MW Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) and the Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR) 220 MW, aimed at harnessing advanced nuclear technologies. Dr. Singh also highlighted the progress of BHAVINI, a public sector undertaking, in achieving critical milestones with the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor, expected to significantly augment fuel production.
Beyond energy security, Dr. Singh emphasized the multifaceted benefits of nuclear technology in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and food preservation. He stressed the potential of radiation technology to drive economic growth and societal well-being, advocating for increased research in basic, applied, and translational sciences utilizing subatomic particles.
The review meeting, chaired by Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy, witnessed strategic deliberations among senior officials to further expedite India’s nuclear energy expansion and innovation agenda.
This ambitious roadmap underscores India’s proactive stance in leveraging nuclear power to meet its growing energy demands while fostering technological self-reliance and societal advancement.
