On Wednesday (Dec 11), India’s Atomic Energy Minister Jitendra Singh insisted on revising India’s power distribution framework, which has increased nuclear power in the southern state of Tamil Nadu from 35 percent to 50 percent. to neighboring states and 15 percent to the national grid.

India’s nuclear power generation capacity, which grew from 4,780 MW in 2014 to 8,180 MW in 2024, is expected to reach a milestone of 22,480 MW by 2031-32, the minister said in Parliament.

Due to its growing population and expanding economy, India’s demand for electricity has increased rapidly.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), India’s energy consumption is expected to grow at a rate of more than 3 percent annually, making it one of the fastest growing energy markets globally.

Nuclear energy provides a stable and low-carbon source, complementing renewable energy sources such as solar and wind.

Nuclear power, which emits negligible greenhouse gases when operating, is aligned with India’s goal of achieving 500 gigawatts of non-fossil fuel-based capacity by 2030.

Doubling nuclear power generation has contributed significantly to these goals.

The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) have spearheaded the development and expansion of nuclear power plants across the country. Key initiatives include:

Amendments to the Atomic Energy Act: These amendments allowed joint ventures with public sector companies to expedite nuclear power projects.

Strategic Partnership: Cooperation with countries such as Russia, France and the United States has facilitated technology transfer and construction of new reactors.

Financial incentives: The government has committed significant resources to nuclear infrastructure, including a proposed budget allocation of more than $11 billion for nuclear projects.

India’s existing fleet of nuclear reactors has expanded significantly with the addition of new units and commissioning of projects under construction.

By 2024, India will operate 22 nuclear reactors with a combined capacity of over 8,000 MW, up from around 4,780 MW in 2014.

Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC) has developed efficient and safe reactor designs as per India’s requirements. These include:

PHWRs: Using natural uranium as fuel and heavy water as a moderator, these reactors have proven to be cost-effective and reliable.

Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs): These reactors generate more fissile material than is consumed, ensuring a sustainable fuel cycle.

Thorium-based reactors: India is pioneering the use of thorium, the country’s abundant resource, to reduce dependence on imported uranium.

India’s civil nuclear agreements with countries such as the US, Russia and Japan have opened up access to advanced technologies and nuclear fuel supplies.

Agreements such as the India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement and the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) waiver have enabled India to import uranium and build reactors using international expertise.

With limited domestic reserves of fossil fuels, India’s dependence on energy imports has been a constant challenge.

Nuclear power provides a reliable and domestic source of energy and reduces dependence on volatile international markets.

Nuclear power’s low carbon footprint has helped India reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

By replacing coal-fired power plants with nuclear facilities, India has avoided millions of tons of CO2 emissions annually.

The expansion of nuclear power has created jobs, spurred industrial growth, and boosted the domestic manufacturing sector.

Despite its benefits, nuclear power faces various challenges, including safety concerns and resistance from local communities due to radiation fears.

Nuclear power projects require significant upfront investment and often take years to become operational. Securing financing and maintaining cost efficiency remain significant challenges.

Ensuring compliance with international safety standards and addressing technical challenges such as waste management and disposal are critical to sustainable nuclear development.

Through technological innovation, international cooperation and policy support, India has established itself as a leader in the peaceful use of nuclear energy.